Begin with the End in Mind: A Records Management & Archives ...

Important Dates for Archives
March 16 — Freedom of Information
Day
A national observance in recognition of the
vital role of free information in a free and
democratic society. It is observed on the
birth date of James M. Madison, fourth
president of the United States and author
of the Preamble to the Bill of Rights.
April — Strategic Information
Management Month
April 15, 1935 — Roerich Pact signed
One of the earliest international
agreements addressing cultural heritage, it
affirmed that monuments, museums, and
scientific, artistic, educational and cultural
institutions and their personnel were to be
considered neutral in times of war and
accorded respect and protection in
peacetime.
In short, your records are essential to researchers
from diverse backgrounds who have diverse research
interests. Your records are unique and in some
circumstances may be the only way certain
information about this state and its citizens is
revealed. Researchers use this information to increase
our understanding of ourselves and the institutions
we help create.
Your strong commitment to establishing a robust
records management program within your office and
allowing your communications to be open for research
ensures a complete and accessible record of your
contribution to this state.
May 1 — The May Day Project
All records and archives professionals are
encouraged to take action on May 1 of
each year to help ensure that they are
prepared to respond to a disaster.
May 17 — World Information Society
Day
July 4, 1776 — Issuance of the
Declaration of Independence
One of the grievances enumerated against
King George III was that "He has called
together legislative bodies at places
unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from
the depository of their Public Records, for
the sole purpose of fatiguing them into
compliance with his measures."
Sept 5, 1950 — President Truman signs
the Federal Records Act
Sept 25, 1946 — President Truman
signs Executive Order 9784, ordering all
federal agencies to begin a records
management program
October — American Archives Month
Repositories across the country raise
awareness of the value of archives and
archivists through special outreach
programs.
from The Archivist's Daybook, Society of
Southwest Archivists,
http://southwestarchivists.org/HTML/2007.htm
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