Every industry has undergone major changes since the COVID-19 pandemic and archives and related repositories are no exception. As historical researchers, we had a unique perspective as we watched these institutions adjust in real-time. Since 2020, we at TRG have discussed internally the changes we’ve seen at local and national repositories. After all, what happens in the archival world impacts us directly and therefore impacts our clients. From abrupt lockdown to cautious reopening to new normal, here are some of the most significant changes we have seen:
Our Favorite Online Archives and Databases
October is American Archives Month - 2023 update!
October is American Archives Month! That means archives from around the country will promote their collections and archivists will share their knowledge all month long online. As you know, our line of work is dependent on the good folks who care for and curate historical materials. We here at TRG look forward to this month as it helps give us a sense of current trends and happenings in the archives field.
We last wrote about this fun event in 2019, but much has changed since then.
Conducting Remote Research During COVID-19 Repository Closures
For the past 14 years, Taylor Research Group (TRG) has touted our ability to obtain obscure archival records on our clients’ behalf. In light of the continued closure of many repositories due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however, the textual documentation we routinely review is now largely inaccessible. As a result, we have spent the past few months honing our online research techniques and investigating digitized caches of historical records.
July 4th Then and Now: Are we celebrating Independence Day as the Founding Fathers once did?
As the weather gets hotter and the sunshine seems to last forever, it is clear that summer is in full swing. At stores throughout the country there are sparklers on the shelves, cupcake icing has turned red, white, and blue, and barbecue supplies are dwindling – all of which can only mean one thing: the Fourth of July is upon us. Despite a pandemic taking over our daily lives, the festivities of this holiday will surely go on, as 76% of Americans reportedly plan on celebrating the joyous occasion this year. Whether you plan on marking the day by sharing food, fun, and fireworks with friends or family, it’s important to understand where these traditions originated from. What were some of the first Fourth of July events like? What has remained the same and what new traditions have we adopted as a nation? Are you observing this occasion as our Founding Fathers did?
Did You Know? October Is American Archives Month!
There is more to October than falling leaves, pumpkin carving, and Trick-or-Treating. But, of course, you know this if you’ve been following us on social media! October is also American Archives Month, and we’ve been participating in its celebration in a variety of ways.