The archivists at the SFMOMA Archives work to organize and preserve the records of the museum’s history, sorting through forgotten files to find historical treasures, including original letters from artists, collectors, and curators, to find the ideas behind past exhibitions, activities, and events.

Their work makes it possible for other people to do research, and helps articulate how the museum grew from what was essentially the one-woman show of Grace McCann Morley, to what is now a huge 300-person plus organization. Collections in the Archives include exhibition files and photographs; administrative papers of museum directors, curators, and departments; and records of affiliated organizations such as the Women’s Board and the Modern Art Council.