Wisconsin Historical Records Advisory Board
About the Wisconsin Historical Records Advisory Board
The Wisconsin Historical Records Advisory Board (WHRAB) assists state, local, and private endeavors that promote the accessibility, availability, preservation, and use of records that document the diverse histories of our state. Acting on behalf of the people of Wisconsin, the WHRAB works in affiliation with Boards in other states and with the Wisconsin Historical Society, whose mission is to collect, preserve, and share stories of Wisconsin histories. WHRAB's activities are made possible through the generous support of the National Historical Publications and Records Commission, whose mission is to preserve, publish, and promote the use of documentary sources relating to United States histories. The Board consists of seven to ten members who are appointed by the governor, serve staggered three-year terms, and represent historical record creators, keepers, and users.
Mission
The WHRAB promotes the availability and use of records with historical value as keys to the state's cultural heritage. It leads collaborative efforts to preserve records and increase their accessibility by promoting education about archives and best archival practices and by helping Wisconsin organizations obtain federal grant funding. WHRAB advises the Director of the Wisconsin Historical Society and the Governor of Wisconsin on all matters concerning the state’s historical records.
Vision
The people of Wisconsin will benefit from a deeper understanding of their heritage through preserved and accessible records that document their diverse and rich history. Acting on their behalf, the WHRAB will serve as the nucleus of a coalition of Wisconsin's historical records organizations, playing the role of educator, advocate, promoter, planner, and coordinator. The Board will aid these constituents directly through federal grant funding and will provide a meeting ground for all of them, fostering common agendas and goals.
Board Members
Menzi Behrnd-Klodt
Archivist & Instructor UWM School of Information Studies
Term: May 2024 - May 2027
Clayborn Benson
Director, Wisconsin Black Historical Society and Museum
Term: May 2026 - May 2029
Anita T. Doering
Archives Manager (retired), La Crosse Public Library
Term: May 2026 - May 2029
Todd W. M. Larson
Green County Board of Supervisors District 25
Term: May 2025 - May 2028
Abbie Norderhaug
DEPUTY COLLECTIONS DIVISION ADMINISTRATOR AND STATE ARCHIVIST, WISCONSIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Term: Board Coordinator since March 2020
Rick Pifer
DIRECTOR OF REFERENCE & PUBLIC SERVICE (RETIRED), WISCONSIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Term: WHS Director designee
Ken J. Wirth
Records and Archives Project Manager, Johnson Controls, Inc.
Term: May 2024 - May 2027
Current Board Activities
The Wisconsin Historical Records Advisory Board awards outstanding work with historical records in Wisconsin. They recognize individuals, programs, or organizations that have made significant contributions to preserving or increasing the availability of original historical documents in any format. There are three award categories: archival achievement, archival innovation, and archival advocacy.
The Governor's Archives Award is presented with the generous support of the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC).
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