What is an archive?An archive is a place where documents that have permanent or continuing value are selected, preserved and made available for use. It also refers to the non-current records of an organization or institution, preserved because of their continuing value. A manuscript repository is an archival institution primarily responsible for personal papers. In basic terms, an archive serves as society’s memory. The holdings of the Historical Center of York County include government records, personal papers, and organization files.
authenticate and preserve the administrative, corporate, cultural, and intellectual activity of individuals and organizations in the Carolina Piedmont. The sources for collections of personal, organizational, and family papers vary. Most often, individuals keep family papers, photographs, and memorabilia. Because of their historical interest and value, letters, photos, diaries, scrapbooks or other material documenting the lives and activities of families and organizations in the Carolina Piedmont make valuable additions to the holdings. A majority of the archival materials being preserved in the Historical Center have been generously donated to the repository by the public. The primary concern of the staff is to provide physical protection for the archival materials from handling, theft, and the deteriorating effects of the environment including light, temperature, humidity, and insects. The staff is also responsible for arranging and describing the records as well as making them accessible to the public for research. Because of the wide variety of material and topics that can be found in the archival materials, many people find them useful. Amateur and professional historians use the records to interpret the past; a genealogist searches records for information on their family history; an architect looks for the plans of a building; government officials search for historic sites; the media looks to the records for photographs and film to illustrate their story; and students use the records for information on particular projects.
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