The NH SHRAB is the state level review board for grant applications submitted to the National Historical Publications and Records Commission [NHPRC]. The Board provides advice and assistance to prospective applicants for grant funds for preserving, managing, and providing access to records. These proposals may be submitted by any public or private entity - municipal governments, libraries, museums, or schools in the state of New Hampshire.

In 1976 the National Historical Publications Commission, a branch of the National Archives and Records Administration, was reformed into the National Historical Records and Publications Commission [NHPRC]. Each state then established a State Historical Publications and Records Board [SHRAB]. The NH SHRAB was created by Governor Meldrim Thompson Jr. upon the issuance of Executive Order (76-4). House Bill 555 of 1977, RSA 5:42, established the Board in NH law. The board meets 3-4 times a year.

The Board has seven members plus the state coordinator who by state statute [RSA 5:42-46] is the director and state archivist of the Division of Records Management and Archives within the Office of the Secretary of State. The seven appointed members are nominated and confirmed by the Governor and Executive Council. The term of office for each appointed member is three years. Members of the Board serve without compensation. A majority of the appointed members of the Board shall be persons of recognized professional qualifications and experience in the administration of historical records or historical research.