Society of Southwest Archivists

The Society of Southwest Archivists, founded in 1972, is the professional organization for archivists in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana. Organized to promote best archival practices, educate members, and foster interdisciplinary ties to historic preservation groups, the society has provided these services and more to hundreds of members through its history.

A group of interested people met to form the Society in May 1972, including writing a constitution and electing officers. The first annual meeting, which brought together many of the goals of the organization, was held in 1973 in Norman, Oklahoma. After the second meeting in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, meetings were held in Texas for the next eleven years, but moved around the region more after 1986. Governed by a president and other officers meeting as the Executive Board, the society gradually added various committees over time to choose annual meeting sites, programs for the meeting, produce a newsletter, and various other organizational functions. The society has also developed several awards for various purposes that have been given to members and non-members through the years.

The Society of Southwest Archivists continues today to provide educational opportunities and promote best practices among its more than five hundred members in six states.