GEORGETOWN, Del., Oct. 6, 2005 – Sussex County’s historical preservation officer will assume added duties this month, when he takes his place on a state advisory panel charged with the protection of Delaware’s treasured, historic documents.

R. Brian Page, 32, of Georgetown, has been named a member of the state’s Council on Archives, a 12-person, appointed panel that advises the governor, members of the General Assembly and the Public Archives on issues concerning the creation, management, preservation and use of historical records.

Gov. Ruth Ann Minner appointed Page to the voluntary position on Aug. 25. His term runs through that date in 2008. Page will be seated for his first Council meeting sometime later this month.

“I am very honored that the governor had the confidence to choose me for the position,” Page said. “I hope that my appointment will serve not only the preservation efforts of this state, but in turn will serve the people of Sussex County and local governments throughout Delaware.”

A native of New Castle County and a graduate of the University of Delaware, Page is one of the youngest members to ever serve on the panel, which was created as the Delaware Historical Records Advisory Board in the 1970s.

“I can honestly say I can’t think of anyone younger,” said Russ McCabe, director of the Delaware Public Archives and chairman of the Council on Archives.

McCabe said Page, as Sussex County’s historic preservation officer for some five years, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position.

An employee of the Sussex County Engineering Department, Page is responsible for the county’s historical preservation program, which includes planning for the protection of important historical structures and sites. He also oversees archaeological digs prior to any county construction projects.

“He was selected to serve on the board, based upon his background and his experience in two areas: the management and preservation of government records at the county level, and his extensive work with private repositories and local historical societies,” McCabe said. “I’m looking forward to working with Brian in the future.”

Sussex County Administrator Robert L. Stickels said Page’s appointment should be a source of pride not just for Mr. Page, but for all Sussex County residents.

“Our history is an important element of our collective quality of life in Sussex County. Preserving that history is as vital as protecting any natural resource,” Stickels said. “Brian is, and will continue to be in this new role, the vanguard of those things that tell us about ourselves – who we are, where we’ve come from and what we represent as a society.”