Wyoming State Archives

July 18, 2024

Contact: Linda Sampson, Project Archivist, Roving Archivist Program, 307-777-7550, linda.sampson@wyo.gov, https://rovingarchivist.wyo.gov/home 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

**Wyoming State Archives Launching Roving Archivist Program**

The Wyoming State Archives is excited to launch a collaborative initiative aimed at bolstering archival practices across the state through a Roving Archivist Program (RAP). This project, pioneering for Wyoming, was developed in partnership with the Wyoming State Records Advisory Board (SHRAB) and the American Heritage Center (AHC) at the University of Wyoming. It seeks to enhance the management, preservation, and accessibility of historical materials in Wyoming’s small cultural heritage institutions.

RAP Archivist Linda Sampson shared her enthusiasm: "I am excited to be a part of the Roving Archivist Program. By visiting Wyoming’s cultural heritage institutions with the knowledge and tools necessary to preserve our state’s rich history for future generations, we will make a lasting impact on the preservation of Wyoming’s heritage."

A roving archivist will travel to various repositories throughout the state, providing expert guidance on best practices encompassing the management, arrangement, preservation, acquisition, and access of archival materials. This program represents a concerted effort to support smaller institutions in handling, storing, processing, and safeguarding their invaluable historical documents and artifacts.

Wyoming State Archivist Sara Davis said, “This program funded through the NHPRC is a collaborative effort of the Wyoming SHRAB, State Archives, and AHC to support our local communities and institutions to preserve Wyoming’s history. Institutions participating in the RAP will meet for one-on-one consultations with professionals to help them meet their needs and receive a report with steps to help them meet long-term goals and support grant funding applications.”

The Roving Archivist Program launched in July 2024. Institutions were previously contacted via survey to gauge needs and the program will be centered around those results. Institutions interested in participating or learning more about the RAP can find more information on the Wyoming State Archives website, https://rovingarchivist.wyo.gov/home. 

An online event will be held later this summer to introduce Linda and the program to Wyoming's cultural heritage institutions and others interested in the RAP. Details about this event will be posted soon on the website.