For Immediate Release: April 28, 2025
Missouri State Archives Hosts Emergency Preparedness Exercise for MayDay Campaign
JEFFERSON CITY, MO – In honor of the national MayDay campaign to promote emergency preparedness in the cultural heritage field, the Missouri State Archives, a division of Secretary of State Denny Hoskins’ office, is conducting a hands-on training exercise to strengthen its ability to protect Missouri’s historical records during emergencies.
“These training exercises are essential to ensure preparedness for small incidents with the records of state and local government agencies all the way up to major responses like the flooding of the Carter County Courthouse,” said State Archivist John Dougan.
On April 30 and May 1, Archives staff members will participate in a wet-incident retrieval and stabilization exercise, practicing the recovery of three different types of historical items. The training will begin with a brief instructional session in the Archives Conference Room before moving to the Conservation Lab for hands-on work. Each session is expected to last approximately two hours.
"Missouri’s history is preserved through countless documents, records, and artifacts entrusted to our care," said Secretary Hoskins. "Proactive preparation is critical to ensuring these irreplaceable pieces of our heritage survive natural disasters or unforeseen emergencies. I commend the Archives Division for its commitment to safeguarding the past for future generations."
The annual MayDay initiative, sponsored by the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation, encourages institutions to dedicate at least one day to improving their emergency preparedness plans. The Missouri State Archives’ participation reflects its ongoing commitment to protecting Missouri’s governmental and historical records through education, training, and best practices in archival preservation.
For more information about the Missouri State Archives and its preservation efforts, visit www.sos.mo.gov/archives.
Photos from the 2024 MayDay exercises are attached for use.
About the Missouri State Archives
The Missouri State Archives, established in 1965, serves as the official repository for the state's permanent and historical records. Its extensive collections date back to 1770 and encompass executive, legislative, and judicial documents; state department and agency records; land and military records; state publications; photographs; maps; county and municipal records on microfilm; and various manuscripts and reference materials. With holdings exceeding 336 million pages of paper, 770,000 photographs, 9,000 maps, 66,000 reels of county government records on microfilm, 560 cubic feet of published state documents, and 1,000 audio/video items, the Archives plays a crucial role in preserving Missouri's rich history. These resources are accessible to government officials, historians, students, genealogists, and the general public through the Archives' research room.
About the Missouri Secretary of State’s Office
The Missouri Secretary of State’s Office serves as a central hub for key state functions that promote transparency, security, and opportunity for all Missourians. The Office oversees the administration of fair and secure elections, registers and supports businesses, maintains and preserves state records through the State Archives, and ensures public access to government rulemaking via the Administrative Rules Division.
Additionally, the Office protects investors through the Securities Division, supports libraries and literacy programs across the state, and administers the Safe at Home address confidentiality program for survivors of abuse and assault. With a commitment to service, accountability, and civic engagement, the Secretary of State’s Office works every day to strengthen Missouri’s government and communities.
About Secretary of State Denny Hoskins
Denny Hoskins, CPA, was elected Missouri’s 41st Secretary of State in November 2024. With a strong background in business and public service, he is committed to improving government efficiency, transparency, and supporting Missouri families. Hoskins previously served as a legislator in both the state Senate and House. He and his wife, Michelle, reside in Warrensburg and have five adult children.
For more information, please contact Rachael Dunn, Director of Communications, via email at [email protected].