robertdeniro

I found myself having the same debate between a straight archives (or information studies) program and a dual degree. I can't give you any hard facts or advice from experience, but I will say, this application season I seriously considered the Archives/History Dual Degree program at Simmons. I had a couple of conversations with the heads of both departments and they were really wonderful. I immediately felt comfortable with them and it really sounded like my research interests, etc. would have been supported there. An interview (or two) is required as a part of the application, because they try to make sure incoming students are really right for the program. It is also a pretty small, intimate program; a lot of individual attention is given to each student (so they described in the interviews). 
 
It sounds like you are more interested in archives as opposed to library science? I haven't done too much research on the latter.. in any event, Simmons is very strong in archives--it is actually "number one" in Archives and Preservation according to the 2013 US News & World Report--and I believe, it is strong in Library Science as well. The history program, however, is relatively small. It worked for me because I study (studied as an undergrad) cultural/intellectual history and focus mainly on American and French. But if you are studying Medieval or Classical, they program might not be broad or established enough for you. 
 
I absolutely see the value in complementing the history degree with the professional degree of ARM, or vice versa. If you want to study digital technologies, I would definitely take a look at Michigan or Texas, as they place a strong emphasis on technology--although, so many of the library science or information studies programs are seriously strong with emerging technologies these days. Another thing to consider is many programs actually encourage you to take your electives from other departments, so you could supplement a straight MLIS or MSIS with history coursework, or get position as a research assistant with the history department. 
 
I'm pretty sure UNC has an Archives/Public History program and I know Maryland offers an Archives/History dual degree. One thing to keep in mind is that usually you must be admitted to both departments independent of one another  Also, I missed the deadline for Maryland this past year because the while the MLIS deadline was something like February 01, the dual degree program deadline coincided with the history deadline, which was December 01. It's not always so clear on the websites, but maybe you're more observant than I am! 
 
ANYWAY, hopefully you find some of this useful, and I haven't just ranted. Sorry for the inconsistent grammar! 

Yes, please PM me.  I've lived in Austin since 1997.