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Compounding the problem of a weak records program was the vast
growth of records generated by the municipality. The large sums of
federal money that flowed into Baltimore starting in the mid-1960s
came with reporting requirements that compelled city agencies to
compile mountains of reports, statistical summaries, grant
applications, correspondence, legal documents, and a host of other
record types. And as their work load increased, agencies expanded,
added staff, and continued to operate without proper records
management guidance.
Baltimore's municipal records situation improved in 1978 with the
hiring of a professional archivist and reorganization of the program.
The first four years were taken up with arranging and describing the
various historical records previously collected. Since 1981, it has
been possible to aggressively pursue extant historical records and
implement improved records management procedures. While much has been
accomplished, a great deal of work lies ahead.
Holdings of the Archives
The archives collects, preserves, and administers the official
records of the Baltimore municipal government judged to be of
historical significance. Available records date from 1729 to the
recent past, although most of the material is less than 75 years old.
While the primary focus of the records is the municipal government,
many other aspects of Baltimore's past are covered as well. An
extensive array of record types are present, including correspondence,
minutes, financial material, legal documents, forms, publications,
mans, reports, and working papers. A variety of indexes and finding
aids facilitate access to the material, and a knowledgeable staff is
ready to provide detailed reference service.
The holdings of the Archives represent only a portion of the
records created by the municipal government. In many cases, city
agencies have in the past routinely thrown away or carelessly stored
older records without concern for the possible historical value of the
material. In other instances, officials have taken records with them
after leaving municipal employment. Some records have also ended up
in the possession of other archival institutions. The end result of
all this is that there are sizeable gaps in our collection. As our
work progresses, these gaps are filled in whenever possible.
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