The severe financial crisis in Greece has resulted in extreme budget cuts to government agencies, and Greek archival repositories are currently significantly underfunded. In many cases, archivists have to purchase archival materials and cover needed expenses with their own funds.
This situation poses a significant threat to the preservation of historical documents and cultural ephemera under the purview of regional archive offices.
As one who has spent many hours researching at the Sparta Archives office, I see first-hand the impact of the budget crisis on regional archive offices. It truly saddens and even frightens me to know that precious historical and genealogical documents are being threatened by lack of funds. What will happen if our records are gone? These are the citadels of our Greek heritage! Realizing the threat that our history and cultural heritage face, action is being taken to contribute to the preservation of our archives
Thus, I am working with one of my colleagues, Gregory Kontos, in the Support Greek Archives initiative. To help these agencies, we must donate materials and not money, because Greek tax law hinders the donation of monetary funds to government agencies. However, the donation of supplies is acceptable. We are contacting regional archive offices to inquire which items are of greatest need. These may include archival boxes, paper, glue, gloves, tape etc. But there are other needs as well. One archive is in desperate need of a computer. Another needs the services of a conservator to help preserve their oldest records.
After speaking with the archivist, a GoFundMe page for that office will be initiated. All moneys collected will be used to purchase the items specifically requested by the archivist, thus ensuring that each office will receive what is most needed. To repeat — a campaign starts ONLY if an Archives Office expresses its interest in our activities and informs us of the supplies needed. After raising the funds, we order the supplies and have them shipped to the office.
This week, we have started the following initiatives:
Soon, GoFundMe-Arcadia will be launched.
We have created a Support Greek Archives website where information and details will be posted and a Support Greek Archives Facebook page and Twitter feed.
Please follow us, and if you are able, help support the archive of your choice. Please send me an email if there is a specific archive that you would like us to contact.
Together, we can support the Regional Offices of the General State Archives of Greece as they continue their mission to preserve documents and assist researchers. Thank you.
Spartan Roots (Σπαρτιατικές Ρίζες) 