Sara Davis, Wyoming State Archivist
On September 8, Sara Davis began her new role as the Wyoming State Archivist. Prior to coming to the State Archives, Sara was the university archivist for the University of Wyoming at the American Heritage Center. Before that, she worked as a digital archivist/project manager for the National Association of Olmsted Parks in partnership with the Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site in Brookline, Massachusetts.
Other archival work of hers includes processing a photographic and manuscript collection for the Appalachian Mountain Club, creating physical and digital exhibits for the University of Massachusetts at Boston, and digitizing and processing historical materials for the Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site. Sara is currently the chair of the Society of American Archivists Digital Archives Specialist Subcommittee.
Sara is a Cheyenne native with an A.A. in music from LCCC, two bachelor’s degrees from the University of Wyoming (one in humanities and fine arts and the other in English with a minor in psychology) and a Master of Science in Library Science with a specialization in Archives Management from Simmons University. She also holds a Digital Archives Specialist Certification from the Society of American Archivists.
“As a native Wyomingite, I have a keen desire in helping to preserve and make accessible the history and records of the people of Wyoming,” she said. “Working for the State Archives is an opportunity to focus my efforts more towards capturing essential records. It was also an opportunity to be more hands-on with the general public, collaborate with a broader audience on a vast array of projects, and enhance community building.”
The biggest strength she sees in the Wyoming State Archives is its ability to connect people with resources. The WSA is a role model for records management, helping guide state agencies on mitigating risks relating to keeping records too long or not long enough. It ensures that those records of permanent historical value and vital records are accessible and discoverable through long term preservation efforts and following professional standards and best practices. This includes the innovative digital archives, RIMS software, digitization, and traditional physical archives.
Sara plans to continue with the mission of the WSA to increase accessibility, preservation, and management of historic documents and vital records. Her aim is to create an inclusive, accurate, and comprehensive record of all the people who have been part of Wyoming and its ever evolving landscape.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to work with the community and our government to ensure that we can save evidence of a time, place, people, and event for current and future generations,” Sara said. “Archives help us understand where we came from and can influence how we determine to move forward.”