The Utah Division of Archives and Records Service was honored with two awards from the Conference of Inter-Mountain Archivists (CIMA) at their annual conference last month.
Archival Project Award: Colorado River Compact Project
In 2022, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Colorado River Compact, our team digitized over 40,000 records that document the negotiation of the Colorado River Compact from Utah’s perspective. Using these primary sources, we curated a Digital Exhibit, launched a series of blog posts that explored the complexities involved with managing water resources in the West, compiled a Research Guide, and shared weekly “Water Wednesday” posts to celebrate Utah Archives Month in October.
CIMA Mentor Award: Jim Kichas, Assistant Director/Archives Program Manager
This prestigious award celebrates a professional who helps cultivate archival career development and who has worked with students and new professionals to build expertise and knowledge within the next generation. In his over 21 years at the State Archives, Jim has inspired, encouraged, and supported countless archival professionals. Through one-on-one meetings, a weekly newsletter highlighting learning opportunities, and an open-door policy, he has provided invaluable guidance and constructive feedback to many. In addition to his professional work, Jim is the current chair of the Cottonwood Heights Historic Committee.
The Conference of Inter-Mountain Archivists is an association of archivists, conservators, historians, and archival professionals from Utah, Nevada, Arizona, Idaho, and New Mexico. They honored this year’s award recipients during a luncheon at the organization’s Annual Conference held in Logan, Utah from May 10-12, 2023.