MONROVIA – Two visiting American scholars have pledged to advocate for international support to preserve and digitize endangered historical documents in Liberia. This commitment follows a productive research visit to the Center for National Documents and Records Agency (CNDRA) on Monday, December 22, 2025.
The visiting experts include Ben Wright, an Associate Professor of History at the University of Texas at Dallas, and Andrew Wegmann, an Associate Professor of History at Texas Tech University. During their visit, the historians proposed several strategies to safeguard historically significant records, ensuring they meet global archival standards. The discussions focused on developing strategic procedures to solicit the necessary funding for a comprehensive digitization project at the Liberian National Archives Center in Monrovia.
In a gesture of gratitude, CNDRA Director General D. Nelson Bearngar presented the scholars with traditional Liberian attire, honoring their interest in modernizing the nation’s archival system. Director Bearngar noted that the digitization of historical records is a central pillar of the agency’s five-year strategic plan, which serves as a roadmap for the long-term development of Liberia’s national records.
According to the Director General, the National Archives has faced significant challenges in adapting to the digital era. He cited chronic resource shortages and the lingering effects of a decade of civil instability as primary obstacles that have hindered the agency’s ability to serve both the Liberian public and the global research community.
Responding to the gesture, Professor Andrew Wegmann lauded the National Archives for its hospitality and expressed a strong desire for future collaboration on archival programs. He remarked that receiving such recognition from the institution was one of the greatest honors of his life.
Professor Ben Wright added that the transition to a digital format is both a necessity and a priority for the country. He emphasized that digitization will provide the public with seamless access to information, standardize record-keeping, and ensure a reliable, uninterrupted suite of management services for generations to come.MONROVIA – Two visiting American scholars have pledged to advocate for international support to preserve and digitize endangered historical documents in Liberia. This commitment follows a productive research visit to the Center for National Documents and Records Agency (CNDRA) on Monday, December 22, 2025.
The visiting experts include Ben Wright, an Associate Professor of History at the University of Texas at Dallas, and Andrew Wegmann, an Associate Professor of History at Texas Tech University. During their visit, the historians proposed several strategies to safeguard historically significant records, ensuring they meet global archival standards. The discussions focused on developing strategic procedures to solicit the necessary funding for a comprehensive digitization project at the Liberian National Archives Center in Monrovia.
In a gesture of gratitude, CNDRA Director General D. Nelson Bearngar presented the scholars with traditional Liberian attire, honoring their interest in modernizing the nation’s archival system. Director Bearngar noted that the digitization of historical records is a central pillar of the agency’s five-year strategic plan, which serves as a roadmap for the long-term development of Liberia’s national records.
According to the Director General, the National Archives has faced significant challenges in adapting to the digital era. He cited chronic resource shortages and the lingering effects of a decade of civil instability as primary obstacles that have hindered the agency’s ability to serve both the Liberian public and the global research community.
Responding to the gesture, Professor Andrew Wegmann lauded the National Archives for its hospitality and expressed a strong desire for future collaboration on archival programs. He remarked that receiving such recognition from the institution was one of the greatest honors of his life.
Professor Ben Wright added that the transition to a digital format is both a necessity and a priority for the country. He emphasized that digitization will provide the public with seamless access to information, standardize record-keeping, and ensure a reliable, uninterrupted suite of management services for generations to come.