HCR 55 Summary

• Recognizes 2015 as the 110th Anniversary of the Delaware Public Archives, which was established in 1905 as a "Division of Public Records" to preserve and catalog state documents.

• Acknowledges the Delaware Public Archives predates the National Archives by nearly 30 years and is one of the oldest state archives in the United States.

• Commends the archives staff, the Friends of the Delaware Public Archives organization, and volunteers for their efforts to preserve Delaware's historical records and make them accessible to present and future generations.

• Notes the construction of a new $18 million, 80,000 square foot archives facility that opened in 2001, funded by $3 million in private donations raised by the Friends group plus state appropriations.

• Extends hope that the Delaware Public Archives will continue its success in preserving documents including the royal charter from King Charles II, historical photographs, maps, and genealogical records.