Archives Celebrate 50 Years of Preserving Alpine & Regional History with Community “Roadshow”

For fifty years, the Archives of the Big Bend at the Sul Ross State University Library have served as the guardian of Alpine’s collective memory and the broader story of the Big Bend region. From personal letters and photographs to institutional records, oral histories, and rare documents, the Archives preserve the people, places, and moments that define who we are.

In recognition of this milestone, Historic Alpine, in partnership with the Archives of the Big Bend, will host a year of community-focused programming celebrating the Archives’ 50th anniversary—beginning with an interactive Archives “Roadshow” Community Preview on Sunday, March 22, 2026, from 2:00–5:00 PM, at the Archives of the Big Bend, located in the Sul Ross State University Library.

The Archives “Roadshow” invites residents to bring photographs, letters, documents, videos, and family stories connected to Alpine and the Big Bend. With the guidance of archivists and trained volunteers, materials will be digitized, stories recorded, and historical context preserved—while all original items are returned to their owners the same day.

“This anniversary is not just about looking back,” said organizers. “It’s about recognizing that Alpine’s history lives in the hands of its people. The Archives exist because the community continues to contribute, care, and share.”

For Alpine and the greater Big Bend, the Archives serve as a vital cultural anchor—supporting research, education, preservation, and civic identity in a region where stories are often passed down orally and at risk of being lost. The 50th anniversary marks both a celebration and a call to stewardship for future generations.

50th Anniversary Celebration of the Archives of the Big Bend

 Friday, July 10, 2026

6:00 PM

📍Sul Ross State University — Bryan Wildenthal Memorial Library — 2nd Floor

Hosted & Sponsored by Historic Alpine, Inc.

This special evening will formally honor five decades of archival stewardship and the individuals and community members who have helped preserve the history of Alpine and the Big Bend.

Additional details will be announced.