October is National Archives Month
Special Collections & Archives
Author/Contact: USU Libraries | scweb@usu.edu
Celebrate National Archives Month by diving into stories, landscapes, and lives captured in the past. Discover how our digitized archives can take you on a visual journey through time—no time machine needed.
October is National Archives Month—and there's no better way to celebrate than by exploring some of our most fascinating digital collections. Whether you're curious about early railroad expansion, the imagery of iconic Western authors, or rare 19th-century photographs, the Digital History Collections at USU Libraries offer something inspiring for every student.
Outdoor Recreation Archive
The Outdoor Recreation Archive is a unique collection founded in 2017 through a partnership between USU Special Collections & Archives and the Outdoor Product Design & Development program. It documents the history of outdoor gear—books, catalogs, magazines, photographs, manuscripts, and more—and highlights how people have experienced and shaped nature over time.
Sun Pictures of Rocky Mountain Scenery
This photo-rich digital book, Sun Pictures of Rocky Mountain Scenery, includes thirty photographic views along the Pacific rail line—from Omaha to Sacramento. Compiled by geologist and explorer F. V. Hayden, the book offers a powerful blend of science, photography, and adventure in the great American West.
Zane Grey Photograph Collection
Take a visual trip into the imagination of Zane Grey—one of the most famous authors of the American West. This photograph album features the landscapes and people that inspired his novels, providing a fascinating look at both the literary world and cultural views of 1920s America.
19th Century Western Stereoviews
These original stereoviews offer a rare window into the sights and stories of the American West—capturing cities, railroads, landscapes, and Native American portraits from over a dozen western states. Use these images to add historical depth to your next project or just explore for fun.