Father Hugh, from Mount Angel, Oregon, does research in the St. Gertrude archives.

Blaine Bake and Bruce Waters at the May 19, 1999 SHRAB meeting in Coeur d'Alene.

(From the SHRAB By-Laws)

The Idaho State Historical Records Advisory Board (SHRAB) is one of fifty-five organizations in the states and territories of the U.S. which act in affiliation with the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC) for the purpose of preserving, publishing and promoting the use of documentary sources relating to the history of the United States. The Board has fourteen members from all over Idaho including archivists, librarians, historians, records managers, district court administrators, and former elected officials. Steve Walker, State Archivist, is the coordinator of the Board.

The purposes of SHRAB are to:

• Develop and maintain a statement of goals and priorities for historical records programs in Idaho;
• Advise on matters pertaining to collection and preservation of historically significant records, endorsing and supporting policies, programs and projects that address established goals and priorities;
• Review grant applications and make funding recommendations to the NHPRC concerning applications from institutions and organizations based in Idaho;
• Promote and publicize the NHPRC grant program, encouraging participation;
• Provide grant consultation, assisting grant applicants in preparing proposals;
• Develop grant applications to address historical records issues of statewide concern;
• Review proposed legislation concerning public or historical records administration, advise on its applicability and potential effects, and recommend legislation when appropriate;
• Endorse or oppose pending legislation as warranted, and submit legislation when appropriate;
• Establish communications with associations and organizations having records management and/or archives interests, defining areas of mutual interest to support systematic collection of Idaho historical records and preclude duplication of effort;
• Conduct studies to better define historical records conditions and problems in Idaho, proposing solutions;
• Foster and support cooperative networks for conservation, bibliographic control, and public access for historical records;
• Sponsor, develop and/or present conferences, seminars, and workshops
  on historical records topics;
• Expand educational opportunities, coordinating with academic institutions to develop or expand records management and archives offerings;
• Promote programs designed to raise public awareness of historical record values, conditions, and needs.

SHRAB's program scope and interests relate to, but are not limited to, records documenting the history and heritage of Idaho and its people held by the following entities in Idaho:

state government

local government

historical organizations

business and industry

academic institutions

religious denominations

libraries

professional associations

cultural organizations

ethnic groups and organizations

The Board meets four times a year to review new NHPRC grant applications and to coordinate statewide historical records concerns. For information about the work of the Board or to inquire about NHPRC grant requirements and applications, contact the State Historical Records Coordinator at: