The “Preserving the American Historical Record Act (PAHR)” (S. 3227) was recently introduced by Senators Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Carl Levin (D-MI). The PAHR legislation would establish a new federal program of formula grants to the states and territories to support archives and the preservation of historical records at the state and local level.

The bill is identical to legislation (H.R. 2256) introduced last year in the House by Representatives Maurice Hinchey (D-NY-22) and John McHugh (R-NY-23). Nearly 60 Members of Congress have signed on as co-sponsors. Senators Bennett, Gillibrand, Schumer, Kerry and Shaheen were original co-sponsors in the Senate.

The Council of State Archivists and, the Society of American Archivists (SAA), and the National Association of Government Archives and Records Administration have been working for many years seeking the introduction and passage of the PAHR bill. To learn more about the PAHR effort, visit a special section of the SAA website by clicking here.

The National Coalition for History has endorsed the PAHR bill and urges you to contact your Senators and House members to ask that they co-sponsor the bills.

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) would administer the Preserving the American Historical Records program. The legislation authorizes $50 million a year for five years for the initiative to preserve and provide access to historical records by supporting:

• The creation of a wide variety of access tools, including archival finding aids, documentary editions, indexes, and images of key records online;
• Preservation actions to protect historical records from harm, prolong their life, and preserve them for public use, including digitization projects, electronic records initiatives, and disaster preparedness and recovery;
• Initiatives to use historical records in new and creative ways to convey the importance of state, territorial, and community history, including the development of teaching materials for K-12 and college students, active participation in National History Day, and support for life-long learning opportunities; and
• Programs to provide education and training to archivists and others who care for historical records, ensuring that they have the necessary knowledge and skills to fulfill their important responsibilities.

Base funding would be provided to each state or territory, with the remainder of funding distributed using a population/area-based formula. A 50 percent match for any funding awards would be required of state and local partners.