Hobson-Huntsinger University Archives Photograph Collection, 1890-1982

The NMSU University Archives were officially established on November 19, 1965. Three years later they were dedicated to the memory of the principal donors, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Hobson of Alamogordo, and to Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Huntsinger. The Hobson-Huntsinger University Archives contains more than one million photographs documenting the history and development of New Mexico State University from its beginnings in 1888 to the present. The digital collection is drawn from this vast resource of visual imagery. Its current emphasis is on the early years of A&M College. The collection includes the map of the original college land, donated by Jacob and Bertha Schaublin in 1889, a map depicting the original campus design by Henry Charles Trost in 1907, along with photographs of the first campus buildings: the first agricultural college building, the YMCA building, Wilson Hall, old Hadley Hall, Goddard Hall, and Old Main, also called McFie Hall. In addition to architectural origins, the photographs selected for this collection present a panorama of active campus life portraying students’ activities, teaching faculty, administrators, and various campus events over the years. This visual primary source material complements other library digital collections, specifically NMSU news releases, yearbooks, course catalogs, Board of Regents Minutes, and agricultural publications. They all reflect and preserve the historical development of this unique Southwestern educational institution.

New Mexico State University has had six official names over the years: 

Likewise, some campus buildings have changed names or functions over time. For example, the YMCA building, built in 1909, is now called William Conroy Honors Center. Young Hall, built in 1928 to house the university library, thirty years later became a home for the English Department, and then in 1982 the Military Science and Army R.O.T.C. moved in. We invite you to browse the collection and explore the past. If you recognize any of the people, places or events depicted in these photographs, please contact us at digprojhelp@nmsu.edu.