Secretary of State Kemp Announces Program to Digitize Historical Records

Atlanta (March 4, 2010) – Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp announced today that the Georgia Historical Records Advisory Board (GHRAB) has launched a partnership grant program with Ancestry.com to digitize historical records. During the first partnership’s first cycle, Ancestry.com offered grants up to $10,000 to local governments and historical repositories in the form of digitization services. 

The following organizations received awards:
Augusta-Richmond County Consolidated Government
City of Hapeville
City of Kingsland
DeKalb Historical Society
Haralson County Historical Society
Historic South-View Preservation Foundation
Oconee County Probate Court
Troup County Historical Society

Ancestry.com provides digitization services to local organizations in exchange for receiving access to historical records for the purpose of scanning, digitization, index creation and distribution. This creative partnership provides an economic opportunity for Georgia organizations to digitize their records and make them more accessible. 

GHRAB works to promote the educational use of Georgia’s documentary heritage and to support efforts to improve the condition of records statewide. The Board is charged with advising the Governor, Secretary of State and the Georgia Archives on records and policy issues. For more information, please visit www.GeorgiaArchives.org, click on “GHRAB,” and then “Grant Programs.”

Brian Kemp was sworn in as Secretary of State in January 2010. Among the office’s wide-ranging responsibilities, the Secretary of State is charged with conducting efficient and secure elections, the registration of corporations, and the regulation of securities and professional license holders. The office also oversees the Georgia Archives and the Capitol Museum.