The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Photography Collection, The New York Public Library. "Mt. Rainier, Seattle, Wash." The New York Public Library Digital Collections. 1898 - 1931.

Curious about other archives-related groups around the country? 

LAAC's Christine Hertzel interviewed a few. For a comprehenisive list check out SAA's Directory of Archival Organizations in the United States and Canada. 

The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Photography Collection, The New York Public Library. "Kirkner Villa, Delaware Valley." The New York Public Library Digital Collections. 1860 - 1880.

Delaware Valley Archivists Group (DVAG)

When/how was your group established?

DVAG was established in 1980 to provide archivists in the Delaware Valley region, which includes central and suburban Philadelphia, as well as parts of New Jersey and Delaware, with opportunities to network with colleagues and visit archives, libraries, and special collections institutions throughout the region.

Do you have mission or vision statement? What are your goals?

Per our bylaws, the purposes of DVAG are to promote the exchange of ideas among archivists, to encourage excellence in archival work, to provide continuing education opportunities for archivists, and to facilitate the professional work of archivists. In recent years, our mission has expanded to also educate the general public about the value of archives and manuscripts, notably through our Archives Month Philly initiative.

What kind of events and activities do you hold? How do you reach your goals/mission?

Our meetings (at least once a quarter) might feature presentations on best practices, group discussions of “hot button” issues, repository tours, “show-and-tells” of cool things local archivists are doing, and networking receptions that in recent years have occurred at the USS Olympia and Eastern State Penitentiary. Meetings are most often held in and around Philadelphia, but occasionally pop up at locations in Delaware and New Jersey.

What is your membership like? Is there a fee to join?

We welcome members of all backgrounds and experience levels; you do not need to be a “professional archivist” to join. Paraprofessionals, interns, students, volunteers, and retirees are all welcome…as are those in non-archival careers who work with archivists, are considering a career change, or just want to see what this archives stuff is all about. Our membership currently totals approximately 215 members. Membership dues are $12 per year or $30 for three years.

How often do you meet?

We hold 3-4 general meetings per year, approximately one per quarter. Throughout the year, we supplement our general meetings with 3-4 social or networking events, such as book clubs, happy hours, and special repository tours.

Anything else you’d like to tell us?

DVAG also organizes Archives Month Philly, a local instantiation of American Archives Month that focuses on educating the wider community about local archives through public programming and exhibitions. Since 2013, AMP has held over 100 events at more than 60 participating institutions in the Philadelphia area. For more info, visit https://archivesmonthphilly.com.

Visit the Delaware Valley Archivists at their website, and follow them on Twitter and Facebook @dvarchivists.

Southeastern Wisconsin Archives Group (SWAG)

The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Photography Collection, The New York Public Library. "Devil's Doorway, from above, Devil's Lake, Wis." The New York Public Library Digital Collections.

When/how was your group established?

SWAG was established in 2005.

Do you have mission or vision statement? What are your goals?

We exist to facilitate the sharing of information, support professional development, and advocate on issues of interest to members in the state of Wisconsin.

What is your membership like? Is there a fee to join?  

Membership is open to all individuals working or training in archives management or allied professions. It's free to join the group.

How often do you meet?

We meet twice a year for educational meetings and hold an annual social event in the early winter.

To find out more about the South Eastern Wisconsin Archives Group, visit their website.

Group shot from the Seattle Area Archivists summer 2017 quarterly meeting. 

Seattle Area Archivists (SeaAA)

When/how was your group established?

First organized in 1985, Seattle Area Archivists (SeaAA) was formed for the purpose of allowing Seattle archivists “to become acquainted with one another and their archives, share knowledge of resources, and increase professional awareness.

Do you have mission or vision statement? What are your goals?

Statement of Purpose: To promote cooperation and the exchange of information among individuals interested in the preservation and use of archival and manuscript materials to disseminate information on research materials and archival methodology to provide a forum for the discussion of matters of common concern and promote continuing education to cooperate with other similar cultural and educational organizations.

What kind of events and activities do you hold? How do you reach your goals/mission?

SeaAA holds quarterly meetings consisting of general news and either a presentation or archive/repository tour, as well as happy hours, and mini/local conferences (unconference). In the past we've hosted local SAA programming (and hope to do it again). We are working to add more events and activities such as various professional workshops (ArchivesSpace or resume building) and co-hosting activities with other groups and organizations, contact us if you'd like to host an event with us!

What is your membership like? Is there a fee to join?

There is a small fee to join SeaAA ($15 for professionals and $10 for students).

Our members include archivists, librarians, and records managers, as well as professionals in the museum and cultural heritage fields who represent a wide spectrum of public and private organizations and institutions throughout the greater Seattle area.

How often do you meet?

Our membership meetings are quarterly, but we try to hold other events and activities on a bi-monthly basis.

To find out more about the Seattle Area Archivists, visit their website or follow them on Twitter and Facebook.