Skip to agency navigation
Skip to main content

Official website

of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

    The .gov means it's official.

    Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government websites and email systems use "pennsylvania.gov" or "pa.gov" at the end of the address. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure you're on an official state website. 

    State Historical Records Advisory Board

    The Pennsylvania State Historical Records Advisory Board provides leadership and advocacy for the Commonwealth's documentary heritage. Its mission is to foster the preservation and accessibility of historically valuable records and to promote public awareness and appreciation of this enduring legacy. The SHRAB carries out its mission by encouraging institutions to apply for NHPRC grants; developing advisory services to improve historical records programs; identifying sources of funding and support; promoting cooperation and partnerships; and developing educational programs.

    State Historical Records Advisory Board (SHRAB)

    The State Historical Records Advisory Board (SHRAB) operates under federal regulations governing the National Historical Publication and Records Commission (NHPRC) and serves as the central advisory body for historical records planning in the state. The State Historical Records Coordinator, who is appointed by the Governor, serves as Chairman of the Board. Members of the Board, who are appointed by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC), review grant applications submitted by Pennsylvania institutions by the NHPRC and also seek to facilitate cooperation among historical records repositories around state.

    SHRAB Mission

    The Pennsylvania State Historical Records Advisory Board provides leadership and advocacy for the Commonwealth's documentary heritage. Its mission is to foster the preservation and accessibility of historically valuable records and to promote public awareness and appreciation of this enduring legacy. The SHRAB carries out its mission by encouraging institutions to apply for NHPRC grants; developing advisory services to improve historical records programs; identifying sources of funding and support; promoting cooperation and partnerships; and developing educational programs.

    SHRAB Vision

    The "common wealth" of Pennsylvania is a documentary heritage that is preserved, valued, and accessible to all present and future generations of our citizens. A strong and visible State Historical Records Advisory Board provides the leadership to preserve and promote the historical record of the people of Pennsylvania.

    Contact Information

    Cindy Bendroth, State Historical Records Deputy Coordinator
    Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
    1681 N. Sixth Street, Harrisburg, PA 17102-1106
    Phone: 717-783-5796
    Email:     ra-localgovernment@pa.gov

    SHRAB Advisory Board

    State Historical Records Coordinator

    David Shoff, Director
    Bureau of the Pennsylvania State Archives

    Deputy Coordinator

    Cindy Bendroth, Chief 
    Records Division  

    Member terms expire at the end of December during the class year.

    Class of 2028

    Gabrielle Ferrara
    County Archivist
    Monroe County

    Nick Hartley
    Pittsburgh City Archivist

    Cara Curtis
    Archives and Library Director
    Cumberland Co Historical Society

    Rachael Dreyer
    Head of Research Services/Special Collections,
    Penn State, State College 

    Kathy Haas
    Director of Historical Resources
    Girard College          

    William Whitaker
    Director and Chief Curator
    Architectural Archives of the University of Pennsylvania Weitzman School of Design

    Class of 2027

    Cathy Boyer
    Records Manager
    Retired

    Dr. Barbara Zaborowski
    Dean of Learning Resources
    Pennsylvania Highland Community College

    Molly Tighe
    Archivist 
    WQED

    Class of 2026

    Robert Stakeley
    Coordinator of the Archivist and Educational Programs
    Heinz History Center

    Celia Caust-Ellenbogen
    Interim Director, Peace Collections Archives
    Swarthmore College

     Links

    Meeting Minutes