The Documentary Heritage Program (DHP) was formed in 1988 to compile and document historical records of an individual or an organization, in order to help preserve and ensure our state heritage. The Program is administered by the NYS Archives and Records Administration, State Education Department. The nine regional services are provided through the Reference and Research Library Resource Systems, plus a grants' program throughout eleven counties, including Erie.

The local regional services provider of the DHP is the WNY Library Resource Council, located at 4455 Genesee St. (across from the airport in the Calspan Complex.) It is headed by Heidi A. Bamford, Director, and Regional Archivist.

Local regional services work with area organizations, businesses, ethnic and racial groups, archives, museums, etc., to assist with documenting and storage of their permanent records.

The DHP provides numerous services, including a newsletter published three times a year, which highlights regional news and grants, while focusing on the eleven county region. (Copies are sent to BAWNYIGS, and are available in our lending library.)

The DHP is in the process of identifying and collecting historical records of groups formed since World War I. Workshops are provided to assist these organizations in setting-up and maintaining their archives. Also available through the DHP on Genesee St. is a lending library with resource materials which may be borrowed by local individuals or organizations. Most books may be borrowed for three weeks. Materials range from technical management of archives to photo preservation. There is information on grants for -organizations, and we are looking into this possibility for BAWNYIGS. Professional development opportunities, information on libraries and museums, and literature for classroom projects are among some of the publications offered. The Special Collections Section contains back issues of Archival publications, Newsletters and Journals. BAWNYIGS own "GENEALOGIA ITALIANA" has a home here. There is free literature available to those organizations who maintain and organize historical records.

Among the books I browsed through, one was entitled History of Pharmacy on the Niagara Frontier. Imagine my surprise when I came upon my father's name listed with information on thc Galen Pharmaceutical Society, an Italian-American Pharmacists' Association, which he founded.! Needless to say, that was a book I borrowed immediately, in order to show my parents.

This past summer, Ann D'Amore and I were able to meet with and interview Heidi Bamford, Regional Director, and Nancy Piatkowski, Nancy will speak at our February meeting on the topic, St. Joseph's day Tables. Ann and I received a wonderful tour and loads of information and literature. It is evident that Heidi and Nancy thrive on their work, and believe me, their task in locating and documenting state archives is monumental!

We are honored that BAWNYIGS has been chosen by the DHP to help compile an Italian-American Heritage Sheet for the Buffalo/WNY area - Erie County specifically. This brochure will become available to tourists and visitors to the Buffalo area, as well as to educators, and those doing research on the Buffalo area and/or ethnic groups.

Recently, we have requested BAWNYIGS' members to list their favorite Italian restaurants, bakeries, stores, festivals, areas of interest, churches, Italian organizations, etc., for inclusion in the brochure, It's not too late to contact us (833-2792 phone/FAX) with your choices. However, your choices must be limited to places in ERIE COUNTY only.

More information will be presented in future issues when the HERITAGE SHEET is completed.

NOTE: BAWNYIGS has a 36 page packet of material describing the information which may be found at the WNY Library Resource Council. I will have it available at the January meeting for your convenience. Special thanks to Heidi A. Bamford and her assistant, Nancy Piatkowski, for their assistance and contributions.

© BEVERLY J. BAUDA, JANUARY, 1998