Arizona State Archives

05/30/2026

Happy National Paperclip Day! Did you know that archivists use plastic paperclips when processing documents to avoid the rust stains left by metal clips and other fasteners? Here's a selection of archival records found this week fastened with plastic paperclips, brads, grommets, ribbons, and all kinds of other fasteners. Of course, when I want to find an example of rust-stained paper to show why we use plastic paperclips I only can find plastic ones - which I guess means we're doing our job to protect these historic documents 😄

05/25/2026

The Arizona State Archives is closed today for Memorial Day, but we still wanted to share some cool things from our collection today. We have a photo of Governor Hunt giving a speech for Memorial Day in 1912, and some notes on history from Governor McFarland's collection around 1940 - it appears he wrote to the Library of Congress to get research help on the history of Memorial Day, and this was printed on very thin paper, almost like tissue paper. The image on the last slide is not part of the original record, just added for a bit of visual interest in empty space.

05/15/2026

Here's a little behind the scenes sneak peek at our closed stacks featuring our oversized volumes. We're fortunate to have a building specifically designed for preservation of our historical records here - notice how there's space between the floor and the bottom shelf in case of flooding. What you can't see is the fact that these rooms are temperature and humidity controlled -they're kept at 55 degrees, so it's a great place to work during this heat wave!

05/11/2026

Happy Mother's Day from the Arizona State Archives! Did you know that the observance of Mother's Day was once discussed in the Arizona State Legislature? A House Concurrent Resolution was heard in several legislative sessions (pictured here are the 5th and 6th sessions from 1921-1923) - then the Governor can issue a proclamation to make it official. This one pictured is from 1932 and the 9th legislative session, signed by Governor Hunt and Secretary of State Scott White.

If you want to read more of the House and Senate Journals pictured here, I've linked them below, available on the Arizona Memory Project.
1921 House: https://azmemory.azlibrary.gov/nodes/view/38746
1921 Legislative History: https://azmemory.azlibrary.gov/nodes/view/40705
1923 House: https://azmemory.azlibrary.gov/nodes/view/38755
1923 Senate: https://azmemory.azlibrary.gov/nodes/view/45164

05/05/2026

05/01/2026

Found in the Archives this week - you are cordially invited to a...hanging??? Back in the 1800s the sheriff was required to send out invitations to public executions- but there wasn't a set template, so some got...creative with it (much to President William McKinley's disapproval). I can't imagine receiving an invitation like this today and it was fascinating to read. Now the question is...if you got this invitation, would you go?

04/22/2026

Happy Earth Day from all of us here at the Arizona State Archives! Here are a few photos from our collection that highlight the natural beauty that our wonderful state has to offer.

04/21/2026

Today begins our first two tours - here's a preview of what the Archives has on display.
There are still 9 spots available for Thursday's tour at 3pm! Don't miss this opportunity to explore everything we have on offer here at the Archives and State of Arizona Research Library
Thank you to all who came through today - it was great getting to meet you!
Register here: https://azsos.libcal.com/calendar/starl

04/21/2026

04/16/2026

You're invited to come visit us! National Library Week is this month, and we are celebrating by offering tours of the Arizona State Archives and the State of Arizona Research Library

Join us on April 21st or April 23rd at 10AM or 3PM to receive a guided tour of our archives, special collections, digital materials and Reading Room!
Space is limited so make sure to register here: https://azsos.libcal.com/calendar/starl