The NMSU Library Archives and Special Collections is currently open by appointment only. You can request an appointment through the Request for Research Materials form or by emailing archives@nmsu.edu. Please allow 24-hour notice for appointments.

University Archives Collections

The NMSU Library Archives and Special Collections is open to all researchers Monday through Friday, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm during the Fall and Spring semesters. We are open by appointment only during the Fall, Spring, and Summer breaks. Please request an appointment through the Request for Research Materials form or by emailing archives@nmsu.edu. Please allow 24 hours’ notice for appointments. The Caroline E. Stras Research Room is located in Branson Library, 4th floor. We are happy to provide virtual reference services for those who cannot visit our facility in person.

The University Archives collects, organizes, preserves, and provides access to comprehensive records of more than 125 years of institutional history. From handwritten letters of founder Hiram Hadley to the digital media of the 21st century, the University Archives contain over 4000 cubic feet of institutional records and related historical materials.

Types of records held by University Archives:

Black and white photography of Hiram Hadley, President of NMSU, 1884 - 1894
Hiram Hadley,
President of NMSU, 1884-1894

Institutional Records

These records document the development and functioning of NMSU since its inception as a land-grant agricultural college in 1889.

University Archives Collections

NMSU's Heritage

Procedure to transfer records to the University Archives


Dr. Clyde Tombaugh sitting at desk, surrounded by piles of work
Dr. Clyde Tombaugh

Faculty and Administrators' Professional and Personal Papers

Examples of Faculty and Administrators' Papers currently held by the University Archives include the collections of Dr. Darlis Miller, Dr. Joan Jensen, Gen. Hugh M. Milton, President Hiram Hadley, Ralph W. Goddard, Mark Medoff, Dr. Fabián Garcia, Dr. Walter Lwowski, Dr. Robert Golden, Dr. John Hernandez, and Dr. Clyde Tombaugh.

Faculty and Staff Papers


Pen used by Dr. Roger B. Corbett as President of NMSU, 1955-1970
Pen used by Dr. Roger B. Corbett as President of NMSU, 1955-1970

Memorabilia

Includes individual items of historical value such as posters, brochures, plaques, trophies, mixed media scrapbooks, miscellaneous objects, and other ephemera, especially those created by students and their organizations relating to activities on campus.


Earliest Years of an NMSU Theatre Presentation
Theater Presentation

University Photograph Collection

Contains images dating from the earliest years of the school through the present.


2 people in the recording studio, one is playing the guitar
2 people in the recording studio, one is playing the guitar

Visual and Sound Recordings

Recordings from KRWG, NMSU's Public Broadcasting affiliate, and the Athletic Department. Productions of University Communications and Agricultural Communications are retained by those departments.


Architectural Blueprint Drawings
Architectural Drawings

Architectural Drawings and Plans

"The buildings of New Mexico State University: NMSU's building history", by Patricia Grumet:


Rio Grande Writer, Summer 1943 Publication
Rio Grande Writer, Summer 1943

Publications

Publications produced by the University and affiliated organizations.

Some publications have been digitized and are available online. See our "Digital Collections" below.