Stanford University Libraries Take Over the Management of the California Historical Society Collection
In a significant development for historical research, the Stanford University Libraries (SUL) have officially taken over the management of the California Historical Society Collection (CHS). This extensive collection, comprising over 600,000 items, chronicles California's rich history and the broader American West dating back to the 18th century. Under this agreement, the collection, now known as the California Historical Society Collection at Stanford, will be made accessible to the public and academic institutions in the coming years, thereby multiplying its impact and reach. This collection is more than just a repository of artifacts; it represents a critical resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in the historical narratives that have shaped California and its neighboring regions.
Michael A. Keller, the Ida M. Green University Librarian at SUL, remarked on the significance of this transition, stating that the CHS collection complements existing archival materials at Stanford. He expressed enthusiasm that this addition will foster a deeper understanding of the complexities of the region's past. The CHS has historically focused on collecting and preserving artifacts that document the West's cultural richness, amassing a diverse range of materials that includes books, letters, postcards, maps, photographs, and newspapers.
Notably, the items in the CHS collection span centuries, featuring original materials from pivotal events, such as the Gold Rush and the San Francisco Earthquake of 1906, further cementing its status as an invaluable asset to researchers. Alongside historical documents, the collection includes unique archives like the records of the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California, dating back to the early 1900s, showcasing its breadth and relevance.
Scholars at Stanford have already begun to delve into the vast resources now under their purview. Historian Gordon H. Chang noted that the California Historical Society Collection contains materials previously overlooked by earlier researchers, amplifying its relevance in contemporary studies of diverse ethnic histories, including the contributions of Asian Americans, African Americans, and Mexican Americans.
Moreover, Richard White, an emeritus professor of American History at Stanford, emphasized the nearly untapped potential of the CHS collection, calling it one of the state's most valuable yet underused archival treasures. The Stanford libraries' acquisition is set to resolve significant gaps in the understanding of California's 19th and early 20th-century history, offering a rare opportunity for in-depth research.
David M. Kennedy, a distinguished history professor and founding director of the Lane Center, pointed out that this collection solidifies Stanford University’s position as a leading hub for historical research on California and the entirety of the North American West. The decision by the CHS board to place their collection with Stanford reflects confidence in the libraries' capacity to promote, develop, and digitally preserve these invaluable resources.
Jen Whitley, the interim CEO of CHS, spoke to the strong infrastructure SUL brings, with its network of twenty libraries and a knowledgeable team skilled in collection development, digital archiving, and technology advancements. The partnership between SUL and the Bill Lane Center for the American West promises to deepen our understanding of California and the western region.
Stanford's twelfth president, Richard Saller, also voiced the importance of integrating this collection in support of the university's core mission of research and education. He highlighted how, in a time where historical perspectives are critical to our understanding of societal transformations, the California Historical Society Collection will serve as a treasure trove of information documenting long-term developments over the last two centuries. This new stewardship not only ensures the preservation of California's historical narratives but also opens the door to future explorations of the rich complexities of the region's past.
Michael A. Keller, the Ida M. Green University Librarian at SUL, remarked on the significance of this transition, stating that the CHS collection complements existing archival materials at Stanford. He expressed enthusiasm that this addition will foster a deeper understanding of the complexities of the region's past. The CHS has historically focused on collecting and preserving artifacts that document the West's cultural richness, amassing a diverse range of materials that includes books, letters, postcards, maps, photographs, and newspapers.
Notably, the items in the CHS collection span centuries, featuring original materials from pivotal events, such as the Gold Rush and the San Francisco Earthquake of 1906, further cementing its status as an invaluable asset to researchers. Alongside historical documents, the collection includes unique archives like the records of the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California, dating back to the early 1900s, showcasing its breadth and relevance.
Scholars at Stanford have already begun to delve into the vast resources now under their purview. Historian Gordon H. Chang noted that the California Historical Society Collection contains materials previously overlooked by earlier researchers, amplifying its relevance in contemporary studies of diverse ethnic histories, including the contributions of Asian Americans, African Americans, and Mexican Americans.
Moreover, Richard White, an emeritus professor of American History at Stanford, emphasized the nearly untapped potential of the CHS collection, calling it one of the state's most valuable yet underused archival treasures. The Stanford libraries' acquisition is set to resolve significant gaps in the understanding of California's 19th and early 20th-century history, offering a rare opportunity for in-depth research.
David M. Kennedy, a distinguished history professor and founding director of the Lane Center, pointed out that this collection solidifies Stanford University’s position as a leading hub for historical research on California and the entirety of the North American West. The decision by the CHS board to place their collection with Stanford reflects confidence in the libraries' capacity to promote, develop, and digitally preserve these invaluable resources.
Jen Whitley, the interim CEO of CHS, spoke to the strong infrastructure SUL brings, with its network of twenty libraries and a knowledgeable team skilled in collection development, digital archiving, and technology advancements. The partnership between SUL and the Bill Lane Center for the American West promises to deepen our understanding of California and the western region.
Stanford's twelfth president, Richard Saller, also voiced the importance of integrating this collection in support of the university's core mission of research and education. He highlighted how, in a time where historical perspectives are critical to our understanding of societal transformations, the California Historical Society Collection will serve as a treasure trove of information documenting long-term developments over the last two centuries. This new stewardship not only ensures the preservation of California's historical narratives but also opens the door to future explorations of the rich complexities of the region's past.
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