What's Happening?
California State University, Northridge (CSUN) has been awarded a $284,235 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) to digitize and make accessible archival materials documenting the careers of notable San Fernando Valley politicians.
The project, titled 'American Government Traditions: Federal, State and Local Intersections in Post-War Los Angeles,' aims to preserve and improve access to primary source materials related to American government history. The grant will fund the arrangement, description, and rehousing of over 400 linear feet of archival materials, making them available online.
Why It's Important?
This grant will significantly enhance access to historical records of influential politicians from the San Fernando Valley, providing valuable resources for researchers and the public. By digitizing these materials, CSUN is preserving important historical documents and making them more accessible, which can lead to new insights into the political history of the region and its impact on broader state and national politics. The project aligns with the NEH's goal of supporting activities that preserve and improve access to primary source materials, contributing to a deeper understanding of American history.
What's Next?
The project is expected to take about two years to complete, with work beginning in the fall. Once completed, the digitized collections will be available through the Online Archive of California, and a curated online collection will be accessible to the public. CSUN plans to host an outreach event to engage the campus and community with the newly available resources, fostering greater interest and research in the political history of the San Fernando Valley.
