J. Franklin Jameson Archival Advocacy Award: Dr. Elaine Carey

Dr. Elaine Carey, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Oakland University, is the recipient of this year’s J. Franklin Jameson Archival Advocacy Award given by the Society of American Archivists (SAA). Established in 1989, this award honors an individual, institution, or organization that promotes greater public awareness, appreciation, or support of archival activities or programs.

Much of Carey’s work has supported archival collections, research projects, and teaching collaborations. She helped develop the workshop “Family, Immigration, and History: Grade 10 Citizen Archivists in the Digital Age.” Funded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission, the workshop was a collaboration with archivists, historians, and librarians offered to New York City teachers to create curricula and resources around the use of open digital archives. Her efforts have highlighted archives and their importance, especially in the context of social activism and justice, on both a regional and national level.

In 2011, Carey became the American Historical Association’s (AHA) Vice President for the Teaching Division, where she advocated for teaching and engagement with primary sources at the national level. She worked on AHA’s Tuning Project, an initiative that aims to clarify the importance of the study of history for students, employers, and the broader community. The project continues to shape history programs nationally by hosting deep conversations across institutions and education levels about enhancing historical thinking and research skills.

In 2001, she assisted Latin American solidarity groups in housing a collection of materials documenting social movements in Latin America; this collection became the James Guadalupe Carney Latin American Solidarity Archive (CLASA)

Carey’s active collaborations around and support of archival activities and programs have enduring and wide-reaching impact. As one supporter noted, “Carey’s long-term impact continues to be felt across interdisciplinary researchers with a focus on teaching social justice...Her ability to communicate with the general public about archival research and projects through different channels makes her a unique advocate that has had a long impact in raising awareness of the importance of archives with the general public, K-12 school spaces, and higher education.”

SAA's J. Franklin Jameson Archival Advocacy Award was established in 1989. Previous recipients include The West Virginia Feminist Activist Collection (WVFAC) Advisory Team; Brad Pomerance, CJ Eastman, and the Council of Independent Colleges' Humanities Research for the Public Good Program; and Tempestt Hazel and The Kitchen Sisters.