The Department of Missouri is actively pursuing formal archiving of pertinent Camp and Department records in order to support research and provide a well documented history for our organization in Missouri. The original Department, or Division as it was known then, was formed in 1884, but disbanded sometime after 1940. Although records were kept, they have been extremely difficult to find. It is in our best interest to avoid this dilemma and archive our records such that future Department administrations and other organizations interested in our activities may have ready access to our documentation.

The Records Archiving project, born out of the 7th Annual Department Encampment in 2002, will be pursued through the Missouri Historical Records Grant Program (MHRGP). The MHRGP was created through a collaborative effort between the state of Missouri and the National Historical Publications and Records Commission, the grant awarding arm of the National Archives and Records Administration. The grant program is administered by the Missouri State Archives, Office of the Secretary of State, on behalf of the Missouri Historical Records Advisory Board. The program awards financial assistance to help preserve and make accessible Missouri’s historical records and promotes archival education and cooperation among records keepers. The MHRGP has been extended for a third cycle beginning after July 1, 2003. Questions on the program or requests for additional information should be directed to the Program Coordinator: