Program

Preservation and Access: Preservation Assistance Grants

Period of Performance

1/1/2010 - 6/30/2011

Funding Totals

$6,000.00 (approved)
$6,000.00 (awarded)


Sunflower County History Room and Archive Preservation Survey

FAIN: PG-50848-10

Sunflower County Library (Indianola, MS 38751-2415)
Jennifer Delaney Rose (Project Director: May 2009 to September 2011)

A general preservation assessment and development of an emergency preparedness and disaster response plan. The collection of the Sunflower County History Room and Archive comprises, in addition to genealogical reference works, about 70 linear feet of personal collections, organizational records, photographic collections, and library history. These collections support investigation into the role of Sunflower County in the evolution of the agrarian South, the emergence of the blues, and the development of the Civil Rights Movement.

Sunflower County, MS has influenced American society and history though its unique agrarian culture, passionate contribution to Civil Rights development and the creation of the Delta Blues. Due to a declining population and inadequate facilities, Sunflower County's cultural and historical materials are in danger of being lost forever. With the help of a preservation consultant, the Sunflower County Library System will establish a proper physical environment for preservation and create policies and procedures to maintain the repository during and after an emergency. Through site visits and a detailed written report the consultant will advise library staff how to create an environment conducive to preserving historical materials. The consultant will provide the library with assistance in creating an emergency preparedness plan for archival repository. All administrative staff will participate in the consultation ensuring support for implementation of the recommendations.