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Diversity Statement

The New York State Archives seeks to confront the impact of systemic racism on the Archives’ collection and our work to preserve and provide access to the permanently valuable records of New York State government.  The Archives is committed to ensuring that our collections, services and staff reflect and support the complexity and diversity of the people of New York State.  The New York State Archives Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Team was created to realize a vision of the State Archives that: 
 
  • collects records that more accurately depict the lives and contributions of marginalized communities in New York State; 
  • features underutilized records that document the experiences of marginalized communities;  
  • utilizes inclusive language in description resources (e.g. finding aids, catalog records, publications and Digital Collections);  
  • recruits more student assistants, interns and/or volunteers from underrepresented communities; 
  • increases participation in programs and research use of collections from marginalized communities and encourages projects that focus on these communities in the Student Research Award, Hackman Research Residency, and other programs;  
  • introduces students from underrepresented and underserved communities to the State Archives and the value and role of archives;  
  • integrates diversity and inclusion into trainings and services for state agencies, local governments, and non-government collecting organizations;  
  • offers staff development opportunities that focus on diversity and inclusion in the archival profession. 
As thoughts and perspectives change over time, the State Archives committed to ensuring that our practices evolve accordingly. 
 
The State Archives, in partnership with the New York State Office of Cultural Education, developed a Diversity/Equity/Inclusion Toolkit.  The tookit provides practical guidance for and applications of diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, antiracism, and justice for New York’s museums, libraries, archives, historical and genealogical societies, and cultural heritage sites.