FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 30, 2013
Contact:  Melissa Couture
207-626-8400

Secretary Dunlap applauds Joint Standing Committee’s Support of State Archivist Nominee

Senate Confirmation is final step in re-appointment of David Cheever
to head State Archives

AUGUSTA - The Joint Standing Committee on State and Local Government voted in favor of Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap’s re-appointment nomination of David R. Cheever to the position of State Archivist on Wednesday, May 29, 2013.

?Dave Cheever has brought tremendous energy and vision to the State Archives,? said Dunlap. ?The Archives is not a museum or even a library; it?s really the repository of our story, the evidence of who we are. Taking the primary documents of our communities and sharing them with the public is something that Dave Cheever excels at, and he has earned a reputation as a respected national leader in the field because of his devotion to this institution. We?re lucky to have him.?

Supporters, including State Senator Roger Katz (R- Kennebec), State Representative Chuck Kruger (D- Thomaston), Kathy DiPhillippo of the South Portland Historical Society, Linda Novak of Old Fort Western and Leif Dahlin of the City of Augusta, also offered testimony detailing their approval of Cheever’s nomination during the confirmation hearing.

?It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the people of Maine as State Archivist over the past six years,? said Cheever.? ?I am grateful for the opportunity to continue the work that we?ve started.? There is no better time than during the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, and the lead-up to Maine?s bicentennial, to be in this position. We look forward to continuing to share the holdings of the Archives. Maine people should be proud of what has been held in safekeeping for them.?

Cheever, an Augusta resident, was originally appointed State Archivist in June of 2007. His nomination will now go before the full Senate for final confirmation.