OSFA in Partnership with the
​Palace of the Governors Photo Archives​

Old Santa Fe Association
​Film Collection

In early 2014, Board Members of the Old Santa Fe Association conceived of a new initiative in historic preservation, unique to our previous list of accomplishments. We decided to become proactive in the search for archival film reels that are currently languishing in the attics and garages of Northern New Mexico, in order to facilitate their donation to the Photo Archives, where they can be properly curated and made available to researchers, historians and filmmakers. The outgrowth of this effort, we are pleased to announce, is a "collection within the collection" so to speak. We are actively seeking film material, either 8mm or 16mm, that is still in the hands of local families, schools, and other organizations that will enhance the vaults of the Archives, helping to cultivate the audio visual history of the Santa Fe area by adding images that might otherwise be destined for the landfill.

Are they headed to the Landfill ?  

​Photo: John Eddy

Film reels such as these are rare to find these days and taking up too much space when they haven't been viewed in years. This material, though now eclipsed by the digital age, contains priceless information regarding our ways of the past, in fashion, activities, and historical personage. If you have any old films remaining in storage in your possession, donate them to the Old Santa Fe Film Collection so that they may be preserved for the enjoyment of future viewers. We will facilitate the legal, physical transfer of your films, insuring proper handling, and you might even receive a tax credit!

Want to Learn More ?

Here is a link to a somewhat dated but charming documentary from an English film archive, which explores the motivation behind their effort and presents a thorough description of the process. It is about 12 minutes long.  Click here to see the film.

Pictured: John Pen La Farge and Daniel Kosharek sign docs formalizing the OSFA Film Collection at the Photo Archives.  Photo: John Eddy