Massachusetts Archives

The Board discussed and took action on various Applications for Destruction (Form RCB-2U), including tabling certain requests due to errors in retention periods or inclusive dates and approving others with necessary amendments. Additionally, the Board reviewed instructions for Form RCB-2U submissions, discussed electronic records management, and addressed media storage for records retention, with further discussions on guideline updates planned for a future meeting.

The Records Conservation Board meeting addressed the Applications for Destruction on Form RCB 2U, including making pen-and-ink changes to entries for the Cape & Islands District Attorney's Office, Framingham State University, and the Massachusetts State 911 Department. The Board voted unanimously to approve these applications as amended. Discussions were held regarding the instructions for completing Form RCB 2U and its transmittal letter, which will be added to the next agenda. Additionally, the Board discussed electronic records management and media storage, agreeing to continue this discussion at the subsequent meeting.

The meeting involved the approval of the corrected December 2025 meeting Minutes. The primary focus was on Applications for Destruction on Form RCB 2U from various entities, including the Executive Office of Administration & Finance, Plymouth County District Attorney's Office, and Executive Office of Health and Human Services. One application from the Sudbury Housing Authority was tabled pending clarification. The Board also addressed a public records request, agreeing to keep updates on such requests on future agendas. A substantial discussion took place regarding electronic records management and media storage options, focusing on third-party vendors and the balance between accessibility and privacy, with a commitment to continue this discussion in the next meeting.

The Massachusetts State Historic Preservation Plan 2011-2015 serves as a roadmap for guiding comprehensive historic preservation efforts across the Commonwealth. It reviews past accomplishments, identifies current challenges, and sets future goals for the next five years. The plan's strategic direction focuses on key areas including identifying and documenting historical and archaeological resources, evaluating and registering their significance, strengthening protection through regulations and financial support, assisting local governments, preserving rural historic landscapes, mitigating natural threats, revitalizing urban and industrial areas, promoting heritage tourism, and enhancing public stewardship, education, and community engagement in preservation.

The meeting addressed several key items, including the informative discussion and subsequent unanimous approval of proposed amendments to the Statewide Records Retention Schedule from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), specifically record series H05-09 concerning K-12 State Student Assessment Materials. The Board also unanimously approved the Applications for Destruction on Form RCB 2U, including necessary pen-and-ink corrections to applications from the Executive Office of Health and Human Services and the Office of the Inspector General. Furthermore, the Board reviewed a public records request response and agreed to keep Public Records Requests on the agenda for future meetings. The discussion on electronic records management and media storage was deferred to the January meeting.