and destruction is completed, a certificate of destruction must be filed
with the Hall of Records (Code 1951, Art. 41, secs. 153, 155).

While many records are offered to the Hall of Records Commission
at the discretion of the custodians, all records which are in the
courthouses of the State and which were created prior to April 28,
1788, the date of ratification of the United States Constitution by
the State of Maryland, must be deposited at the Hall of Records
(Code 1951, Art. 41, sec. 152). The records of all State agencies,
boards, and commissions which are abolished or otherwise cease to
function also must be transferred to the custody of the Hall of
Records Commission (Code 1951, 1957 supp., Art. 41, sec. 152A). In
addition to the above, current records of many State agencies have
been deposited with the Hall of Records, and the Archivist has on file
microfilm copies of all county deeds as well as miscellaneous probate
records through 1850 and wills and Orphans' Court proceedings
through 1950. Where records have been deposited with the Hall of
Records, the Commission is authorized to prepare certified copies
and photographic reproductions upon request (Code 1951, Art. 41,
secs. 153, 157; Code 1957 supp., Art. 41, see. 154). The Hall of
Records is equipped to repair and restore records committed to its
custody.

State agencies are required by law to establish a continuing pro-
gram for the management of their records. The Hall of Records
provides assistance and guidance in the development and furtherance
of the State Records Management Program. The program provides
for the use of records retention schedules which establish the period
and method of retention of records. Such schedules must be approved
by the Hall of Records, and when destruction is recommended, must
also be approved by the Board of Public Works. The Hall of Records
inspects the records and records management practices of all State
agencies and reviews the proposals for the purchase or rental of
record equipment, storage space, and services (Code 1951, 1957 supp.,
Art. 41, sec. 156).

The Hall of Records microfilms or supervises the microfilming of
all current deeds, mortgages, and releases recorded in the courthouses
of the State which are required to be deposited annually in the office
of the Commissioner of the Land Office. Copies of these films are also
deposited with the State Tax Commission for use in the preparation
of local tax maps. Limited facilities are available for the filming of
records of the various State agencies.

The Hall of Records also maintains a library of official publications
of the various State agencies, and all State agencies must deposit
one copy of each official publication at the Hall of Records (Code 1951,
Art. 41, sec. 121). The Hall of Records is further responsible for the
editing and preparation of the MARYLAND MANUAL.

Appropriation 1957 1958

General Funds ....................$ 98,964 $106,633
Staff: 17

DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION
Earle R. Poorbaugh, Director
Old Treasury Building, Annapolis Telephone: Colonial 3-4058

The Department of Information was authorized by the Board of
Public Works in 1948 as a division of the Hall of Records Commission.