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History
The
Arizona Historical Foundation was founded in 1959 by Senator Barry
Goldwater. He was a passionate collector and student of Arizona
history. Senator Goldwater's goal was to "collect, preserve and
disseminate the history of Arizona ." This was in direct response
to the fact that important historical materials, particularly those
documenting the early territorial days, were lost to out-of-state
repositories. His goal was to keep historical documents closer to
home so that Arizonans could connect with their past.
Early collecting efforts centered around the founder's eclectic
interest in print, photographs, maps and artifacts. Over the years,
formats changed to include microfilm, oral histories, film, videos,
artwork, political cartoons, and books. Today, primary source materials
dating back to the 1860s represent a small portion of the total
holdings. Some of the largest and most important collections reflect
a dynamic, contemporary Arizona where politics, business, and law
drive a booming economy and unprecedented growth.
Today
The
Arizona Historical Foundation occupies a unique niche in the collecting
community by virtue of its founders, its holdings, and its relationship
with the Hayden Library. As the Arizona Historical Foundation approaches
its 50 th anniversary, it is poised for new directions while honoring
the spirit and intent of the original founders. AHF is committed
to preserving Arizona material of enduring historical value while
providing access for Arizonans and the world at large.
In this contemporary collecting environment, it is important to
avoid duplication with other repositories, promote access to collections,
and build upon repository strengths. AHF collection development
polices now center on issues of the New West- the period after 1900
and extending to the present; Arizona business such as agriculture,
banking, construction, mining, real estate, sports and trade; Arizona
law, lawyers, law firms and their impact on state, regional and
national public policy; and Arizona politics with an emphasis on
congressional collections, national party politics and campaigns,
and political science. Anyone interested in donating material related
to these subjects is encouraged to contact the staff librarians,
archivists or Director.
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