Overton’s New Archivist Begins Work

Overton has selected Chris Barlow to be the county archivist as records are being moved to a new facility.

Barlow said moving those records is the number one priority, and then improving record accessibility. Barlow said the Overton County Historical Society will be helping out the improvement efforts.

“Without volunteers, you know, it’s a hard task to sit down there for hours and hours and work on records,” Barlow said. “That some people may never look at it again, but they love to do it and I’m glad for the help.”

Barlow said when the move is completed, he and volunteers will begin digitizing the records that can date back as far as 1815. Barlow said the biggest change with the new facility is having the climate controlled for preservation.

“It’s gonna be a lot better building, archival records need to be in a humidity controlled environment,” Barlow said. “It’s gonna be a lot better, a lot safer storage area.”

Barlow said local residents play a role in Overton’s archived history. As years of donations to the archives have created, what Barlow said, is a wealth of information.

“They have some unique histories and what people donate to the archives as well,” Barlow said. “Family histories, documents that you never see, and they don’t even know that someone from this area done certain things.”

Chris Barlow has a background in history, museums and veteran services. He said he will be working as a full time employee on Thursdays and Fridays at the Overton County Archives.