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Archives complex in Morrow hailed as model for nation

The recent formal dedication of the National Archives and Records Administration’s Southeast Regional facility July 15 confirmed what so many have been saying about the state-of-the-art new building.

Following the Presentation of Colors by the U.S. Army Forces of Command Color Guard from Ft. Gillem and the Pledge of Allegiance, along with some inspirational and unforgettable patriotic tunes by four-year-old students from Primrose School at Eagle’s Landing, Allen Weinstein, archivist of the United States, gave welcoming remarks to the 250+ guests and staff saying, “There’s no place like this in the country.”

The reason, he said, was that this building, along with its location, is a prototype for archival institutions to come. Weinstein went on to talk about the importance of having a National Archive and commended the Atlanta Regional Commission on Higher Education for their support of the archives as a way to promote democracy.

Georgia Secretary of State Cathy Cox added to the excitement by saying, “We almost have to pinch ourselves; it’s finally here.”

Cox reiterated that this is the first co-located archives in the country, referring to the fact that the Georgia Archives are located on the same parcel of land and joined at the hip, so-to-speak, by the facility’s bookstore/gift shop, operated by Clayton State University.

“The Archives have been a model from the very beginning,” stated Cox. “A model of cooperation between city, county, state and federal governments - something you don’t see everyday. It offers convenience at one stop where resources and space are shared.”

Cox added another element to the mix - Clayton State University, whom she called a third partner.

“Clayton State played a crucial role in the success of bringing the Archives to Morrow,” said Cox. “The university will ensure a pool of quality and qualified scholars for the future.”

In addition, Cox graciously thanked TUFF, The University Financing Foundation, a nonprofit foundation established to finance real estate ventures for the benefit of colleges and universities, for their financial support.

Clayton State President Dr. Thomas Harden went on to talk about the effort to convince NARA to come to Morrow and the vision of Gateway Village.

“People began to catch on to the vision,” said Harden. “And the obstacles began to fall away.”

He reiterated Cox’s message of cooperation, specifically recognizing the Clayton County Development Authority and Board of Commissioners, TUFF, Gateway Developers, the Cities of Morrow and Lake City, Cathy Cox, Mac Collins, Max Cleland, Rep. David Scott and the NARA Southeast Regional Administrator, Jim McSweeney.

Harden went on to talk about the impact both archives would have on the school and how important they both were to each other, specifically mentioning the Linking American History project funded by the Department of Education where teachers in Cobb, Henry and Fayette counties come together to learn to be historians.

Harden also mentioned Clayton State’s other important link to the archives - the undergraduate history major now being offered at the University. Students in this major may some day become archivists themselves. The program will prepare students in either records management, or to go on to graduate school. Senior level internships are available at both State and Regional facilities.

“This is a happy day for all of us in the community,” said Harden. “I want to say ‘thank-you’ and congratulations to the people of NARA for their commitment to this project and for a job well done.”