Here we will be building a freely accessible digital library of archival materials that tell us stories about how and why people came to Arizona, why they stayed, and why they left—from ancient times to the present. Through the lens of thousands of archival photos, audio recordings, videos and texts we will connect with individuals and families who chose Arizona for employment, religious freedom, ethnic communities or recreation.
We invite anyone to participate in this project by offering their stories, suggesting topics or events they would like to see documented here, or simply cheering us on! We will be hosting three public comment meetings and will participate in several professional meetings in 2008-2009. Please visit our calendar page for a list of events. Or contact us by email at Why Arizona.
Arizona archives collect, preserve and make accessible millions of resources for your use. Please visit the enclosed links to the Arizona Memory Project, Arizona Archives Online, and the Arizona Cultural Inventory Project for more information on how you can find and use archival materials!
Why Arizona? is a multi-year collaboration of archivists from the University of Arizona, Northern Arizona University and Arizona State University that will be formally unveiled in time for the Arizona Centennial in 2012. In the meantime, watch us grow! The project is supported with funds granted by the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records Agency under the Library Services and Technology Act, which is administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Why Arizona? The Arizona Migration Digital Library is grateful to the Arizona Historical Advisory Commission for its official designation of Why Arizona? As an Arizona Centennial Legacy Project.
