A firestorm has erupted over the state’s decision to sharply curtail public access to the Georgia Archives.

The announcement late Thursday quickly became a cause celebre for academics and family genealogists alike as thousands signed online petitions and Facebook pages through the weekend.

Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp said even he was unhappy — and it was his decision.

“To reduce public access to the historical records of this state was not arrived at without great consternation,” Kemp said. “I will fight during this legislative session [starting in January] to have this cut restored so the people will have a place to meet, research and review the historical records of Georgia.”...