Information on the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC)
The National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC) is a vital grant-making arm of the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), dedicated to preserving, publishing, and making accessible historical records across the nation.
As the central resource for supporting archival preservation and documentation projects, the NHPRC offers funding opportunities to a diverse range of organizations, including state and local governments, archives, colleges, universities, and nonprofits. These grants enable these entities to carry out projects that publish historical records, make archival collections more accessible to the public, improve access to state and local records, provide professional development for archivists and historical documentary editors, support research and development (particularly for electronic records), and engage communities in preserving and publishing historical records.
The NHPRC's work is primarily supported through grants and special initiatives. The commission's role extends beyond just providing funds; it also implements policies and makes recommendations on grant proposals. The administrative staff at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. plays a crucial role in this process.
The NHPRC's current membership consists of commissioners appointed to oversee funding decisions, although specific names were not found in the search results. Instead, state Historical Records Advisory Boards (SHRABs) have members appointed by state governors or legislatures with duties aligned with NHPRC programs at the state level. SHRABs serve as central advisory bodies for historical records coordination within states and help administer NHPRC local and state grants.
For example, Nevada’s SHRAB advises and supports the management and accessibility of historical records in the state and promotes NHPRC grant opportunities. States with active SHRABs can submit applications for certain NHPRC grant programs, with the SHRABs playing a key role in reviewing and advising on grant applications in their states.
Grant amounts vary, with individual awards capped in certain programs, such as the South Carolina SHRAB microgrant program funded by the NHPRC. Applicants must generally be organizations with programs related to historical records, and federal regulations (36 CFR Chapter 12) govern SHRAB and NHPRC operations and eligibility. Access to grant information is often coordinated through SHRABs or state archives agencies, which may also provide support for preparing grant applications.
For specific current membership, detailed grant application instructions, or more information about the NHPRC, contacting the NHPRC or respective SHRAB offices is recommended. Further details about the NHPRC, including its history and mission, can be found under the "About NHPRC" section. The Commission consists of a 15-member advisory board, including two members appointed by the President, and it is chaired by the Archivist of the United States.
In addition, the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC) is a grantmaking office of the National Archives. More information about the NHPRC Statute is available, as well as details about managing an NHPRC award and Federal Regulations & Requirements for NHPRC grants. The Commission includes representatives from the Senate and House of Representatives, the Supreme Court, the Library of Congress, Department of State, Department of Defense, and professional associations of archivists, historians, documentary editors, and government records administrators.
In summary, the NHPRC remains a central resource for supporting archival preservation and documentation projects nationwide through its grant programs and partnerships with state advisory boards. For those interested in applying for a grant, it is essential to familiarise oneself with the grant application process, eligibility requirements, and available resources through the NHPRC and respective SHRAB offices.
Education and self-development opportunities are available through the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC), as it offers funding to organizations for professional development, particularly for archivists and historical documentary editors. The commission's work includes implementing policies, making recommendations on grant proposals, and providing support for research and development, including electronic records.
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