Vermont's Role in Our National Story: Providing Digital Access to Our Collections

FAIN: ZPA-283076-22

Vermont Historical Society (Barre, VT 05641-4209)
Stephen Perkins (Project Director: April 2021 to present)

The retention of five full-time positions and four part-time positions to engage in collection description, preservation, database management, and digitization. 

VHS is asking for additional relief funding from NEH to support the creation of digital catalog records to make Vermont history accessible from anywhere in the world. VHS serves thousands of students and teachers annually, who rely on access to primary source materials to meet curriculum standards. Researchers rely on digital access to the rare and unique items preserved in our archives to promote scholarship on Vermont history and current events. Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have seen a distinct increase in the use of our digital collections, especially by those living outside Vermont. To commemorate America's 250th Anniversary, we will prioritize access to collections from Vermont's colonial period and those highlighting the unique experiences of under-represented communities. This project will build on our initial accomplishments and provide access to collections that inform our understanding of Vermont's role in our national story.