Stanford University Receives Permanent Stewardship of California Historical Society Collection

Stanford University Libraries Assumes Stewardship of the California Historical Society Collection

Stanford University Libraries (SUL) has recently taken on the permanent stewardship of a significant historical archive known as the California Historical Society Collection (CHS). This valuable collection encompasses over 600,000 items that chronicle California and Western history from the 18th century to the present day. The acquisition, which was concluded in partnership with the Bill Lane Center for the American West, marks a pivotal moment for scholars and the public alike, providing unprecedented access to resources that illuminate the region’s past.

A Treasure Trove of Historical Richness

Encompassing an impressive 16,000 linear feet, the CHS Collection includes a diverse range of materials such as books, letters, photographs, and maps, showcasing the multifaceted history of California. It holds essential artifacts related to pivotal events, including the Gold Rush, California's statehood, and the catastrophic San Francisco Earthquake and Fire of 1906. Additionally, the collection features invaluable documentation from significant organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California, with records tracing back to the early 1900s.

Michael A. Keller, the Ida M. Green University Librarian at SUL, emphasizes the importance of this collection: "The history of the West is rich and diverse, yet relatively untapped for academic research. This collection not only expands our existing resources but becomes a critical asset for understanding California's significance in the broader tapestry of American history."

Academic Implications and Opportunities

Prominent Stanford historians, like Gordon H. Chang and Richard White, have affirmed the collection's value. Chang notes the collection's synergy with Stanford's own archival materials, particularly in studies of Asian American, African American, and Mexican American histories. White highlights the underutilization of the CHS Collection, indicating it as a critical component in addressing gaps in historical scholarship about 19th and 20th-century California.

White states, "For me, the CHS Collection is one of the most valuable and underutilized collections in California. It will augment the existing resources at SUL and fill important historical voids." The sentiment echoes across the academic community as scholars recognize the collection’s potential for enriching research and enhancing educational opportunities.

Infrastructure and Future Directions

The California Historical Society Board selected SUL based on its robust infrastructure, which includes a network of twenty libraries across Stanford's campus. This comprehensive support system, along with a dedicated team skilled in collections development, digitization, and preservation, positions SUL as an ideal steward of the CHS Collection.

Jen Whitley, Interim CEO of CHS, articulates the board's decision: "With SUL's exceptional resources and dedication, we are confident that this collection will not just be preserved but will flourish, fostering a deeper understanding of California and the Western region's intricate history."

Stanford's Commitment to Historical Scholarship

This acquisition aligns with Stanford President Richard Saller's vision, supporting the university's core missions of research and education. He remarks, "Given the current societal need for historical perspective, this collection will serve as a treasure trove of information about California’s and North America's long-term historical trajectories over the last two centuries."

In conclusion, the stewardship of the California Historical Society Collection by Stanford University Libraries represents not only a significant milestone for the institution but also a monumental step forward in preserving and studying California's rich and diverse heritage. As the collection becomes accessible to the academic and general public in the years to come, it promises to unlock new insights and narratives that have shaped the state and its people.