By Alfred Kollie
MONROVIA, Liberia — The Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy near Monrovia, Mr. Joseph E. Zadrozny, has stressed the need for Liberia to preserve its history and national records so they can be shared with Liberians and people around the world.
Zadrozny said understanding and preserving Liberia’s history is important for every county and community, noting that the country’s history is extensive and must be properly documented and protected for future generations.
He made the remarks during a courtesy visit to the Center for National Documents and Records Agency, commonly known as the National Archives, where he commended the institution’s management and staff for their continued efforts to preserve Liberia’s historical records.
The US diplomat encouraged Director General D. Nelson Bearngar and his team to continue the work of preserving the country’s historical documents and records.
During the visit, Zadrozny was taken on a guided tour of several sections of the National Archives, including the Repository, Digital Scanning Center, IT Section, Public Records Section, Archival Sections, Projects, Programs and Planning Unit, Marriage Records Section, and the Mini Exhibition Hall.
Following the tour, Zadrozny expressed satisfaction with the work being done at the National Archives and pledged to return to the institution in the future.
For his part, National Archives Director General D. Nelson Bearngar said the visit was initiated at the request of the US Chargé d’Affaires and was intended to strengthen partnership and cooperation between the US Embassy and the National Archives.
Bearngar said he was pleased with the visit and reaffirmed the Archives’ commitment to serving the Liberian people and supporting the government’s development agenda.
Meanwhile, the National Archives boss has urged Liberians seeking marriage certificates to use the proper channels when obtaining the documents to avoid difficulties or embarrassment, particularly when presenting them at the US Embassy.
Bearngar also identified digitization of the National Archives, decentralization, and logistical constraints as some of the major challenges confronting the institution.
He pledged that the National Archives would continue working to overcome these challenges while protecting and providing access to Liberia’s historical records.
