Arizona Historical Foundation

Arizona Historical Foundation. Established in 1959 by United States Senator Barry Goldwater, it is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the documentary heritage of Arizona and the broader American Southwest. For decades, it served as a major repository for manuscripts, photographs, and other primary sources related to the state's political, cultural, and social development. Its extensive collections have supported significant scholarly research and public history initiatives across the region.

History

The foundation was created by Barry Goldwater following his acquisition of the valuable Roscoe G. Willson collection, which included rare materials on Arizona Territory and the early statehood period. Initially headquartered in Phoenix, its early growth was bolstered by donations from prominent Arizona families and political figures, including the papers of Senator Carl Hayden. In 1984, seeking a partnership to ensure long-term preservation and academic access, the foundation transferred its physical collections to Arizona State University under a formal agreement. This collaboration anchored its operations at the university libraries in Tempe for over three decades. A major transitional period began in 2017 when the stewardship of its vast archival holdings was transferred to the Arizona Historical Society, a move designed to consolidate the state's historical resources.

Collections and archives

The foundation assembled a comprehensive archive central to the study of Southwestern history. Its cornerstone was the Barry Goldwater Collection, encompassing his senatorial papers, extensive photography, and memorabilia from his 1964 presidential campaign. Other major political collections included the papers of Senators Carl Hayden, Paul Fannin, and John McCain. Significant regional collections featured the records of the Salt River Project, the Arizona Republican Party, and the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce. The visual archives held over 250,000 images, including the work of photographers Josef Muench and Bob Bradshaw, documenting landscapes, Native American communities, and urban development. The foundation also preserved rare materials on the Gadsden Purchase, Apache Wars, and the development of Hoover Dam.

Publications and research

The foundation actively disseminated historical knowledge through various publications and supported academic inquiry. It published the quarterly journal Journal of Arizona History in partnership with the Arizona Historical Society for many years. Notable monographs and edited volumes emerged from its collections, including works on Barry Goldwater, Sandra Day O'Connor, and the Central Arizona Project. It sponsored lecture series, symposia, and fellowships, often in collaboration with the Arizona State University Department of History. Researchers from institutions like the University of Arizona and the University of New Mexico regularly utilized its archives for projects on Western water law, Cold War politics, and borderlands studies. The foundation also contributed to documentary films and exhibitions for organizations such as the Smithsonian Institution.

Governance and organization

The foundation was governed by a self-perpetuating Board of directors, which included descendants of Barry Goldwater, notable Arizona philanthropists, and academic leaders from Arizona State University. Day-to-day operations were managed by an Executive Director, a long-held position by historian Michael F. Konig. Key committees focused on collections development, finance, and public programming. Following the 2017 transfer of its physical collections to the Arizona Historical Society, the foundation's organizational structure shifted to focus on fiduciary management of its endowment and supporting historical advocacy. Its official business address remained in the Tempe area.

Affiliations and partnerships

Throughout its history, the foundation maintained key institutional relationships to advance its mission. Its primary academic affiliation was with Arizona State University, particularly through the University Libraries and the School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies. It was a cooperating member of the Arizona Historical Society and collaborated with the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records. The foundation also worked with the National Archives and Records Administration on preservation projects and with the Western History Association to promote scholarly exchange. Partnerships with local entities like the Heard Museum and the Pueblo Grande Museum facilitated public outreach and educational programming focused on Arizona's diverse heritage.