Celebrate Archives Month by Honoring the Accomplishments of an Ohio Archival Institution
The Ohio Historical Records Advisory Board Achievement Award recognizes significant accomplishments in preserving and improving access to historical records in any format by an Ohio archival institution. All Ohio institutions responsible for archival records that provide public access to at least a portion of their collections are eligible. Eligible accomplishments include recent special projects or on-going programs that:
- build significant collections
- implement successful preservation strategies
- enhance access to archives
- develop effective digitization programs
Preference will be given to projects or programs that can be adapted for use by other institutions.
Deadline: October 12, 2017
Download⇒ OHRAB Achievement-Award-Flyer (2017 – PDF)
2016 Achievement Awards
The Ohio Historical Records Advisory Board proudly recognizes two institutions this year:
Greene County Records Center and Archives
The Greene County Records Center and Archives for its innovative program taking records into classrooms to develop students’ research and analysis skills while fostering an appreciation for local history.

Commissioner Bob Glaser, Public Outreach Coordinator Elise Kelly, Archival Assistant Joan Donovan, OHRAB Board Member Galen Wilson (National Archives), Records Manager & Archivist Robin Heise, Commissioner Tom Koogler, OHRAB Board Member Dawne Dewey (Wright State University, Special Collections & Archives), Graduate Intern Erix Infante (Wright State University – Public History), Commissioner Alan Anderson.
“Archives receives Achievement Award,” Xenia Daily Gazette (December 5th, 2016)
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Library and Archives
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Library and Archives for public programming that fosters and promotes to a large and diverse audience the spirit of preserving history through its collections.

Director of Archives Jennie Thomas; Senior Director of Library and Archives Andy Leach; and OHRAB Board Member Meghan Hays (Shaker Heights Public Library).
2015 Achievement Awards
The Ohio Historical Records Advisory Board proudly recognizes two institutions this year:
Delaware County Records Center
The Delaware County Records Center:, for its devotion to the care, preservation, and accessibility of county records through continual modernization of processes and dedication to providing convenient public access to the records in its care.

Delaware County Records Center Coordinator Christine Shaw (holding plaque) and her staff received the 2015 Achievement Award from the Ohio Historical Records Advisory Board during the county commission meeting on November 16, 2015. Pictured from left to right, County Prosecutor Carol O’Brien, Commissioner Gary Merrell, Records Technician Alison Miller, Records Technician Megan Henry, Commissioner Jeff Benton, Ohio Historical Records Advisory Board member Pari Swift (State of Ohio, Office of the Attorney General), Commissioner Barb Lewis, Ohio Historical Records Advisory Board member Stephen Badenhop (Union County Records Center), Records Technician Sharrie Doubikin and County Auditor George Kaitsa.
“Delaware County records center recognized,” The Delaware Gazette (November 17th, 2015)
Kelleys Island Historical Association
The Kelleys Island Historical Association: for its efforts in implementing archival accession, processing, and cataloging procedures; increasing the accessibility of its collections through the creation and publishing of its inventory; and fostering research through new initiatives.

Ohio Historical Records Advisory Board member, Ron Davidson (Sandusky Library) presenting Leslie Korenko, Kelleys Island Historical Association board member, the 2015 OHRAB Achievement Award.
2014 Achievement Award
Greene County Records Center and Archives
OHRAB is pleased to recognize the Greene County Records Center and Archives as its 2014 Achievement Award recipient. Since its establishment in 1996, the Greene County Records Center and Archives has been committed to both preserving and providing access to its public records of enduring historical value.
In 2011, the archives building housing records for Greene County was condemned as unsafe. Through joint efforts of the archives staff and other county departments, a new, convenient, environmentally sound location was selected and all records were carefully moved to the new location. The records have been newly inventoried and re-shelved, ensuring and improving public access that has remained a priority for the Greene County Records Center and Archives. Public outreach has now been added as a focus in order to call more attention to its collections and the valuable resources that local government records provide.

OHRAB members present 2014 Achievement Award to Greene County Archives, December 16, 2014. L to R: Alan Anderson (County Commissioner), Bob Glaser (County Commissioner), Galen Wilson (OHRAB), Gillian Hill (Archivist/Records Manager), Dawne Dewey (OHRAB), Robin Heise (Public Outreach Archivist), Tom Koogler (County Commissioner).
“The Greene County Records Center and Archives demonstrated painstaking, diligent effort in its successful removal and installation of valuable historic documents into a new archives location,” said Pari Swift, who led this year’s OHRAB achievement award committee in its search. “The exceptional commitment by dedicated staff to safely and quickly secure a new permanent location for its archives material could not be overlooked.”
The new location of the Greene County Records Center and Archives is 535 Ledbetter Road, Xenia, Ohio 45385 (http://www.co.greene.oh.us/index.aspx?nid=120).
Press:
- Xenia Daily Gazette: Archives receives state award (November 21, 2014)
- Xenia Daily Gazette: County honored by state board (December 18, 2014)
2013 Achievement Award
Shaker Heights Public Library
OHRAB is pleased to recognize the Shaker Heights Public Library as its 2013 Achievement Award recipient. The Shaker Heights Public Library, in conjunction with the City of Shaker Heights Landmark Commission, created HistoricShaker.com, an online collection and reference tool capturing and cataloguing the architectural history of Shaker Heights homes dating as far back as 1915. More than 1,000 volunteer hours were provided in the scanning of more than 10,000 index cards to create a searchable database highlighting the construction year, building materials, construction cost estimate and architect of Shaker homes. In addition, a Smartphone app was created, allowing the public to view the digitally-recorded history of homes as well view a walking tour of Shaker’s historical landmarks, events, oral histories and people significant to the history of the city.
Press:
- Cleveland Plain Dealer: HistoricShaker.com wins two state awards for online database and phone app.
- Cleveland Jewish News: Shaker Heights Honored for Building History Website.
2012 Achievement Awards
Euclid Public Library
The Euclid Public Library was recognized for building a web-based collection documenting its city’s history from multiple perspectives and formats. The library has digitized residents’ family photos, high school yearbooks, and local newspaper editions. The web-accessible collection also includes recordings of City Council meetings, as well as oral histories, in audio and video format, revealing multiple perspectives on the history of Euclid. This impressive range of formats and documents has expanded the public’s ability to connect with its history. Beginning as a celebration of the Euclid Bicentennial, the Library has committed to continuing this project, creating an ongoing program.
Clark County Historical Society
The Clark County Historical Society was recognized for its perseverance and creativity in preserving Ohio’s local records. Like many counties, the Clark County Probate Court’s case files of wills and estate settlements, guardianship, and civil cases contain a wealth of information about the County’s history. The Clark County Historical Society brought together the expertise of staff, the enthusiasm of volunteers and interns, and a small grant for supplies to create a focused effort toward ensuring the preservation of and better access to these important local records. This project was not only ambitious, but creative in its use of resources â including the transformation of back-room activities into a public teachable moment. Because of space constraints, a significant amount of document processing occurred in the public reading room. Project staff and volunteers engaged visitors in the process, explaining how and why these records were being preserved.

OHRAB presentation to Clark County Historical Society, February 6, 2013. Left to right: Flossie Hulsizer, Marty Castle, Marguerite Brinkman, Ruth Stiles, Pat Baker, Virginia Warren, and Mel Glover (project volunteers); Pari Swift and Galen Wilson (OHRAB Representatives); Natalie Fritz (project coordinator)
Additionally, the following institutions were nominated: Miami University Libraries Digital Library, University of Akron Archival Services, and University of Dayton Libraries.
2012 OHRAB Achievement Award Flyer
2011 Achievement Awards
Licking County Records & Archives Department
The Licking County Records & Archives Department was recognized for rescuing and making available public county records not seen for more than a century and effective management of contemporary records via its Records Keepers’ Roundtable.

Katy Klettlinger (center), Records Center & Archives Coordinator, Licking County Records & Archives Department receives the 2011 Archives Achievement Award plaque from Pari Swift(L) and John Runion (R) representing OHRAB.
Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County
The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County was recognized for its investment in a digital services department that has made thousands of rare historical materials available through its Virtual Library.

Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County executive director Kim Fender (center) and assistant director-Support Services Jason Buydos (R) receive the 2011 Archives Achievement Award from Tonya Matthews (L) representing OHRAB.
Additionally, the following institutions were nominated: Clermont County Records Management Division, the Clinton County Records Center and Archives, the Ohio University Libraries Mahn Center for Archives & Special Collections, the Shaker Heights Public Library and City of Shaker Heights, the University of Akron Archival Services, and the University of Toledo Ward M. Canaday Center for Special Collections.
Press: Newark Advocate, “Coordinator to get state award” December 18, 2011
2011 OHRAB Achievement Award Flyer
2010 Achievement Awards
Cleveland State University’s Michael Schwartz Library Special Collections Department
Cleveland State University’s Michael Schwartz Library Special Collections Department has led the Cleveland Memory Project since its beginning in 2002. Institutions as diverse as the Cuyahoga County Engineer’s Office, Berea Children’s Home, Rocky River Public Library, Hathaway Brown School, and Lakewood Historical Society have contributed materials from their collections to Cleveland Memory. Project partners have made more than 42,000 images and other historic items available online. Practicum and internship opportunities provide real world experience to students while bringing fresh from the classroom perspectives to practitioners. Cleveland Memory is a model of multi-institutional collaboration melding local collection knowledge, shared infrastructure, and professional development opportunities.
Montgomery County Records Center and Archives
In 2006 the Montgomery County Records Center and Archives faced every archivist’s nightmare. Active mold, cracked spines on bound volumes, and inadequate storage threatened the existence of the county’s historic records. Through a systematic program of compliance with neglected records disposal schedules, environmental improvements and monitoring, and conservation treatment, Montgomery County Records Center and Archives staff have demonstrated that even monumental problems can be mitigated if approached with determination and creativity. The results of their efforts include reduced storage costs, improved access, and the confidence that the early records of Montgomery County will survive.
Press: