BA/archives.pr                       Contact: Birgit Ireland, 301-670-0076


MONTGOMERY COUNTY ARCHIVES
RESUMES OPERATIONS               For Immediate Release: Nov. 4, 1996



     The Archives of Montgomery County, Maryland -- the source of historical 
information about the County, its activities and achievements of civic leaders
and organizations -- has resumed operations under contract with History
Associates, Incorporated, an archival historical records management services
firm based in Rockville.
     Established in 1985 by order of County Executive Charles Gilchrist, the
Archives ceased operations in 1994 due to budget constraints.  It is the
designated repository for County government records which are vital to
documenting local government decisions and actions.
     The Archives also conducts oral histories with prominent County
officials and civic leaders to preserve unique interpretations and insights
into historic events not typically recorded in official documents.
     The Archives will serve as a clearinghouse for historical records and
information.  A reference list of local and regional historical societies,
archives and other historical organizations will be developed for public use. 
Assistance will also be provided to individuals who want to donate historical
records and items to an historic organization.
     The Archives is administered by the Department of Public Libraries.  
                                  -more-

 .COUNYTY ARCHIVES RESUMES OPERATIONS                                2-2-2-2

Archives staff work closely with the department to make the Archives catalog
available through the Libraries' Public Access Catalog (PAC).  A pilot project
is planned by the Archives to explore converting selected materials into
optical images to help facilitate research.
     Located in Room G-09 of the Red Brick Courthouse, 29 Courthouse Square,
Rockville, the Archives offers research services by appointment. Call 301-279-
1218.

 
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