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| Emily Teis, archival assistant |
Q: What’s your job title, and how long have you worked at
the Arkansas State Archives?
A: I was hired as an archival assistant in January 2019.
Q: What do you do on a typical day at Archives?
A: My workday includes answering research requests, indexing
historical court records from Hempstead County, helping in the research room
and making information available for patrons.
Q: How did you become interested in Arkansas history or
working at the Arkansas State Archives?
A: I have a master’s in anthropology and wanted to use my
education to help preserve our state’s cultural memory. Our cultural memories,
or collective historical experiences, help define who we are, our identity as
Arkansans and our heritage. These memories are important because they imbue us
with our resilient and adventurous spirit. The Arkansas State Archives is the
place where those memories are written down and preserved for all of us.
Q: What’s the most important or interesting thing you’ve
discovered while working at Archives? Why?
A: The most important thing I’ve discovered is the different
steps needed to help patrons with questions on genealogy research. Many people
come to us with questions about where or how to start their research. Sometimes
researchers get stuck, too, so it’s important to know how to look for
alternative records. My goal is that I want to be able to help people to the
best of my ability.
Q: Why do you think the Arkansas State Archives is important
for Arkansans?
A: The Arkansas State Archives houses the most historical
records related to Arkansas history of any place in the world. We are the go-to
place to find information about family, state history and historical artifacts.
We help preserve the history and cultural memory of Arkansas. We are a place
people can come to learn about their own family histories, and we are an
important part of maintaining Arkansas’s heritage. We keep history alive.
Q: What is the most rewarding part of your job?
A: The most rewarding part of my job is helping patrons find
that missing piece in their research and seeing them get excited to be able to
move forward.
Q: How do you see archiving evolving in the future?
A: The future is digital. Like other archival entities
across the U.S., the Arkansas State Archives is embracing new and evolving
technology and is moving forward in making more records available online.
Q: What do you wish people knew about Archives?
A: I wish people knew we are here to help them and answer
questions. People are not alone in their research. We are here to help.
