FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 29, 2021) – The Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives (KDLA) has designated October as Kentucky Archives Month in conjunction with American Archives Month. The theme for this year is “Education through the Ages” in honor of Kentucky’s rich education history.
Archives Month is an annual celebration of the importance of archives and historical records and of the work of institutions which preserve these unique resources. These repositories and their collections are quite varied but together hold a rich documentary legacy which shapes our understanding of the state’s past and our assessment of its future. For example, the Kentucky State Archives has educational records such as reports, publications, ledgers, and faculty and student files from the 1800s to modern day.
“As an educator and a student of history, I’m excited about the theme of ‘Education through the Ages’ for this year’s Kentucky Archives Month because there are thousands of educational records and collections available to Kentuckians all across the state as well as in the Kentucky State Archives in Frankfort. Many local libraries have archives that include yearbooks and other records that tell the story of education in that community. In addition, most colleges and universities have established their own archives to document and preserve their histories and traditions,” said Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, who is also the secretary of the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet (EWDC).
“The work of archivists is not limited to holding onto historical records,” said Terry Manuel, commissioner of KDLA and state librarian, archivist and records administrator. “Archives give us perspective and provide us with a bridge to the past. Archives Month encourages Kentuckians to seek out these institutions and discover these connections to history.”
Anyone interested in research may visit the Archives Research Room in Frankfort at 300 Coffee Tree Road to review records in person. Appointments are highly encouraged because of limited capacity. You may also email the Research Room at kdla.archives@ky.gov or call 502-564-1770 for assistance. In addition, researchers can visit the Kentucky State Digital Archives online at https://kdla.access.preservica.com/welcome/.
KDLA encourages statewide repositories of historical materials to celebrate Kentucky Archives Month throughout October by promoting special activities or exhibits that highlight the role of archives in the state. They can submit their events for inclusion on KDLA’s event list at https://kdla.ky.gov/archivists/shrab/pages/kyarchivesmonth.aspx.
Kentucky Archives Month is sponsored by the Friends of Kentucky Public Archives, Inc., and KDLA. The Friends of Kentucky Public Archives, Inc. is a group of private citizens concerned with helping the Archives and Records Management Division of KDLA fulfill its role as a vital information link between people and government. The Friends organization supports the management, preservation and responsible use of Kentucky's public records and serves as an advocate for the Kentucky State Archives, which the division manages.
About 300 archival and manuscript repositories in Kentucky hold archival records that document the history of Kentucky. Their holdings include personal papers, photographs, Bibles, diaries, letters and government records, such as marriage certificates and wills.
KDLA provides equitable access to quality library and information resources and services, as well as helps public agencies ensure that legislatively mandated documentation of government programs is created, efficiently maintained and made accessible. It is agency in EWDC.
For more information on KDLA resources, programs and services visit www.kdla.ky.gov or call 502-564-1702.
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