To: National Desk

Contact: National Archives Public Affairs, 202 357-5300.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Archivist of the United States Allen Weinstein has honored Walter B. Hill Jr., a longtime archivist and historian at the National Archives and a leading authority on the documentation of African Americans in Federal records, for his efforts to make such records accessible and to promote their use by historians, journalists, students and others.

Weinstein commended Hill "for extraordinary service in making available to the American public the diversity of archival records at the National Archives." Both Weinstein and Michael Kurtz, assistant archivist for Records Services, presented Hill with a "Certificate of Appreciation" on Oct. 10. "Walter Hill's many years of dedicated service as an archivist have greatly enhanced the use of National Archives holdings that illuminate the African American experience," said Weinstein. "For his work Walter has gained the deep respect and appreciation of his colleagues and scholars everywhere."

Hill, a senior archivist and subject area specialist in Afro- American History, holds a doctorate in American History from the University of Maryland. He joined the National Archives in 1978. In his nearly three decades at the National Archives, Hill has published a wide range of articles, guides and other materials about African American history, both for the agency and for other organizations. He has spoken at numerous conferences, participated in panels and symposia, and made major contributions to organizations dedicated to American history in general and to African American history in particular. He is a commissioner on the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture and has served on panels and committees for the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. Hill is also a consultant and adviser to the Organization of American Historians and chairs the organization's Historical Documentation and Research Committee.

In accepting the award, Hill praised the National Archives as "a special place for me in my professional life and my work is a testimony to the institution that allowed me to navigate the rich history of Americans and in particular African Americans."

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/© 2006 U.S. Newswire 202-347-2770/

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