History

The Institute of Historical Survey Foundation (IHSF), is a non-profit 501(C)(3) corporation established to gather, preserve, record and publish evidence of historical and antiquarian interest for the purpose of promoting academic research and promulgating historical information.

The first collection, for what has become IHSF, was acquired in 1955, and to it over the next 20 years, were added significant primary sources, photographic and printed research materials. The Board of Directors established the Foundation in the 1970's, the IRS recognized IHSF as an educational 501(c)(3) in 1983, and through a generous grant by Abby Lewis Seymour in 1997, the present, state-of-the-art secured, climate-controlled research facility was in operation by 1998.

IHSF is primarily a conservatory which processes historical documents, photographs and audio/visual media. The intents and activities of the Institute are not limited to any subject nor geographical area.

The Lewis Archive houses primary, unpublished works in all formats. Included are personal papers, diaries, correspondence, business/financial records, photographs, microforms, magnetic media, artifacts, and audio-visual materials.

Archival collections are organized by provenance, or the origin of the material. They are kept, insofar as possible, in the order in which they are received from the donor. Materials are processed using the IHSF classification system. Collections are processed to the box, folder or item level, depending on the perceived value of the collection and staffing available for processing.

The Archive contains over one million photographic images which feature a wide range of subject matter and motifs from different areas of the world. Although the integrity of provenance is maintained, the images are captioned and catalogued and identified by continent, country, city or more specific locations.

The photographic collections consist of various formats from daguerreotypes through glass-lantern slides, 8x10, 4x5, 2 1/4, 35mm film media in both black and white and color; negatives and prints of all sizes. The photographic lab digitally reproduces these images and can digitally enhance or restore faded or otherwise damaged photos. See Photo Restoration Services.  

IHSF has a complete micrographics lab capable of producing and reproducing 35mm and 16mm microfilm and microfiche, in both diazo and silver formats. See Micrographic Services.

The sound-recording collections include a vast selection of radio broadcasts (exceeding 20,000 programs) and other recordings on cylindrical and disc records, 78's, 45's, LP's, 16's, wire recordings, reel-to-reel, multiple cassette and modern digital formats. The IHSF A/V service lab can transfer 16mm and 8mm sound movies (as well as Umatic, Beta and VHS recordings) to VHS, Beta, CD or DVD formats for viewing on a home television screen. See Film Transfer Services.

The library houses a vast array of works: geographical, philosophical, historical, military, religious, arts and many others. Because the library is a non-lending library, the staff of IHSF may conduct research as requested. Contact us at info@ihsf.org for further information.

The publishing department can assist you with your publishing needs. Also, several publications are offered for sale to the public. Contact us at info@ihsf.org for further information.

Various IHSF collections may be lent to bona fide museums. Contact us at info@ihsf.org for further information.

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Vision  

To continue developing an archival, library and museum facility to process, house and display historical documents, photographs, artifacts and audio/visual materials that are also accessible via the world wide web.

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Involvement

IHSF welcomes your support and donations in the form of collections or monitary contributions. Your voluntary gift of time is always appreciated. Please visit our Involvement page to learn how you can help.

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Location

New Mexico Map Reference

Aerial Map of Area

Nearest Airport:         El Paso, Texas

Hours of Operation:  Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
                                     Saturday & Sunday by appointment only.
                                     Tours are by appointment only.  

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Contact Us

E-mail:                info@ihsf.org
   
Address:            3035 South Main Street
                            Las Cruces, NM 88005

Phone:               575.525.3035

Fax:                    575.541.8291