Description of Permian Archives

     The Permian Archives consists of historical items gathered between 1958 and 1971 by early-day Permian Historical Society members as a means of preserving Permian Basin history. After The University of Texas of the Permian Basin opened in Odessa, Permian Historical Society donated its collection of papers, newspapers, maps, books, artifacts, and other historical materials to the Special Collections at that university’s library. These materials, called Permian Archives, may contain original sources to aid those who research the characters and events of Permian Basin history. 

     Although Permian Archives was begun by the members of Permian Historical Society, it is now the property of the university. Like all state university archival holdings, the materials are available for public use. As the figures below show, the materials in Permian Archives are not often used.

     2006 Use and Acquisitions

     January-December 2006: 487 patrons.  Material Use: 24 folders; 18 photos; 10 microfilm; 42 monographs; 30 serials; 1 video.  Copies made: 415.

     October-December 2006 Acquisitions: Gordon Hooper donated typescripts and photographs relating to Crane County ranching and UPTB Dean Emeritus James Colwell, a former Air Force General, made additional donations to his extensive Texas Air Force Base collections.