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 institution.

2013 Achievement Award

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.

Judy Cetina, OHRAB Board Member, Ann Klavora, Shaker Heights Landmark Commission, and Meghan Hays, Shaker Heights Public Library with Shaker Heights Public Library plaque	OHRAB 2013 AchievementAward: Shaker Heights Landmarks Commission plaque

---

2012 Achievement Awards

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.

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 – 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.

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

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.

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.

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 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.

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:

• The Cauldron, “Michael Schwartz Library Wins Achievement Award” November 29, 2010
• Cleveland Archival Roundtable Blog, “Words of Thanks from Bill Barrow” November 12, 2010

2010 OHRAB Achievement Award Flyer