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Archive |
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The Archive-Research Center of the San Juan County Historical Society is located on Court House Square to the north of the Court House and the Historical Society Museum. The new Mining Heritage Museum Center is behind the Archive, and Cement Creek runs alongside.
Allen Nossaman formulated plans for the Archive-Research Center over a period of years, beginning in 1964. The basement of the library was it’s first home, and Allen meticulously cataloged and stored the historical documents, photos, manuscripts, maps and other materials donated to the Society. He continued in that capacity until his health dictated that he move to the lower altitude of Durango in 2001. His many years of faithful service are the foundation of our present Archive.
The Archive Research Center was opened to the public in 1995. Contract labor and an amazing number of volunteers accomplished the construction. The building, designed for storage of historic materials, has a 32’x 32’ concrete temperature and humidity controlled vault. Steel shelving, map cases and acid-free boxes are utilized for storage. The second story of the building is used for offices and preparation of exhibits, as well as storage space.
Housed in the Archive-Research Center are large collections of historical documents that deal with the San Juan County region. Silverton is the only remaining town in the county, but in the past there were several others including Chattanooga, Howardsville, Eureka and Animas Forks, teeming with all types of businesses and residents. The surrounding mountains were full of mining operations, large and small, as well as individual prospectors. The Archive-Research Center has become the final home for many of the surviving records of all that activity … all types of business records, survey notes, personal correspondence, diaries, maps, books, tapes and photographs. Our oral history collection is outstanding.
The Archive-Research Center is unusual for a town as small as Silverton. No taxpayer money was involved in the building of the facility and it is not now tax supported. Our collections are available for study and research for a modest fee. Rail buffs, genealogists, students, different departments of governmental agencies, writers, newspaper, magazine, radio and television personnel have made use of our extensive records.
Our hours are somewhat tentative, depending on our volunteer help. We are usually open to the public two or three days each week. Hours are 10:00 until 3:00. If you plan to be in Silverton at a particular time and wish to access our records, please call or e-mail us to make definite arrangements. |
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San Juan County Historical Society, All Rights Reserved |
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San Juan County Historical Society |
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Silverton, Colorado |
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To contact us: |
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San Juan County Historical Society P.O. Box 154 Silverton, Colorado 81433 |
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Copyright © San Juan County Historical Society |