Events

Access to public documents held in state archives is increasingly being pursued by third parties through public records laws, such as the PIA, and FOIA. In many cases these records are already publicly accessible either in person, or through standard patron order fulfillment.  However, electronic records and the ability to digitize paper records, is prompting the use of public records laws for requesting access, compelling archives to release mass amounts of records. Removing records from the custody of state archives can lead to issues of authenticity, and concerns over privacy. The leadership of the Maryland State Archives will discuss how 'demand' for public access has impacted their agency, and what the future may hold for all public archives. 

Our Speakers:

Elaine Rice Bachmann was appointed Maryland State Archivist and Commissioner of Land Patents in July 2021. She is the first woman to serve in this role leading the State Archives, which is the historical agency of Maryland government and the central depository for records of permanent value from the founding of the colony in 1634 to the present day. Ms. Bachmann first joined the Archives staff in 1994 as curator of the Commission on Artistic Property, which manages the state-owned art collection. She served as Director of Artistic Property, as well as Deputy State Archivist prior to her current appointment. Ms. Bachmann has written extensively on the history of the state-owned art collection, the State House and Government House, as well as the White House.