MayDay! MayDay!

Take Action on MayDay!

Protecting our collections is one of our fundamental responsibilities as archivists. That's why SAA has long encouraged archivists to do something—even if it's something simple—that will make a difference when and if an emergency occurs in your repository. For ideas about what you might accomplish in just a day, see our MayDay web page.

But sometimes disasters are so devastating that all we can do is offer funding to support clean up and recovery. That was true in 2018, when Hurricanes María and Irma wreaked havoc on repositories in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

The SAA Foundation's National Disaster Recovery Fund for Archives was there to help, providing more than $37,000 in grants to support our colleagues. Here's what one grateful recipient had to say:

"We appreciate the opportunity that has been given to us...to continue the recovery and to preserve documents, photos, and negative films...of the Library Foundation. This project will allow this and future generations of Puerto Rico to safeguard and conserve an important part of their historical documentary heritage." (Victor Otaño Nieves, Executive Director, Rafael Hernández Colón Library Foundation in Ponce, Puerto Rico)

Since 2005--as a result of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita--the NDRFA has provided grants to support recovery of archival collections from major disasters, regardless of region or repository type. But expenditures in 2018 have depleted the Fund.

What a difference a day can make!

On Wednesday, May 1--MayDay--you can help ensure that the National Disaster Recovery Fund for Archives is available when our colleagues are in greatest need of support.

Join us. Make your gift on May 1. Show what a difference a day can make when archivists come together.

Can't wait? Make a donation now to the National Disaster Recovery Fund for Archives or any other fund of your choice. Donations to the SAA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, are tax deductible.

Thank you!

SAA Foundation Board of Directors

P.S. Help spread the word about NDRFA on Twitter using #saagives!