This week, archivists from across the nation are gathering in Washington, DC to share best practices and explore new technology. In honor of this meeting of the SAA, NAGARA, and COSA minds, we are dedicating this week’s Follow Friday to archives.
NY State Archives @nysarchives
Geof Huth, Director of Government Records Services at the New York State Archives, understands the significance of social media as public records. He and a panel of his peers covered the topic in a panel discussion at #SAA14. The NY State Archives Twitter feed is a treasure trove of old photos, archiving techniques, and news. The canal pics alone are worth a follow.
Boston City Archives @ArchivesBoston
History buffs can get their fix by following the Twitter feed of one of America’s oldest and most historic cities. In addition to regular historical notes and images, they keep followers engaged by posting #mysteryphotos that challenge you to figure out the where/when/and what of the picture. Check out this crazy photo of an early MTA wreck:
Archives American Art @ArchivesAmerArt
If the visual arts are more your speed, you’ll love this feed from the “world’s pre-eminent resource dedicated to collecting and preserving the papers and primary records of the visual arts in America.” In addition to sharing the works of both American favorites and lesser known folk artists, @ArchivesAmerArt posts interactive challenges for followers.
NOAA’s Ocean Archive @NOAAOceanData
Archives aren’t just for books and papers. The National Oceanographic Data Center keeps records of marine information. Their Twitter feed is a celebration of all things oceanic from lighthouses to National Oyster Day. They also post imagery you won’t likely see anywhere else. Just look at this image of swirling plankton blooms.
National Archives @USNatArchives
This list wouldn’t be complete without a mention of the uber-archive that is NARA. The US National Archives is the record keeper of our nation. From exploring your genealogy to sending your kid to sleep in their halls, NARA has something for everyone.
To all of the other archives and archivists out there, we salute you and your work. We hope you had a great week in D.C. and are returning to your missions with a renewed sense of purpose. Archive now, archive forever.
