Troy hires summer interns for document digitization

A map of the Troy water plan in 1968 is prepped before entering the digital scanner. (submitted photo)

By Ray Popkess • Troy City staff brought on two summer interns in June to digitally scan maps and plats from the origins of the city. The goal was to help preserve them and make them accessible and exchangeable between departments. 

Some of the files dated back to the 1960s, such as the below picture of the blueprint of the city’s water plan from 1968. 

The program, administered by the Madison County Employment and Training Department, provides paid work experience for those ages 17-24 by matching employers with youth to provide needed work experience.

It serves Madison, Bond, Jersey and Calhoun counties and is funded by The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).

The program provides 990 hours per year of real job settings developing skills, experience and job placement.

Troy’s Building and Zoning office contacted the Madison County Training Program, coordinated by Darren Yates, to participate in this summer’s program. Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce also currently participates and has had success along with the Triad School District.

Ann Byrd, building and zoning director, says the city was fortunate to be paired with two outstanding students. “Sam Kelly and Sam Barnett are assisting us with our city maps, plats and address management. Kelly is one of our interns who is going to school for Special Education. Barnett has an interest in becoming a machinist.”

“The city has maps and plats dating back to its earliest years,” Byrd shared. “Our primary goal is to digitally scan these historical documents to help preserve the original records as they continue to age while also making them more accessible. By creating digital copies, we have improved access to important information that can now be easily shared across all city departments.”