PALO ALTO, Calif. and SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Stanford University Libraries (SUL) has assumed permanent stewardship of the California Historical Society Collection (CHS), a trove of over 600,000 items spanning the history of California and the West since the 18th century.
The collection, acquired in collaboration with the Bill Lane Center for the American West, will become known as the California Historical Society Collection at Stanford and will be made available to the public and academic community in the coming years.
The materials have all been moved to Stanford, following the signing of a transfer agreement last June.
The collection will complement Stanford's existing archival materials on California and the American West and will be a valuable resource for scholars, students, and the general public studying the region's past, said Michael A. Keller, the Ida M. Green University Librarian at SUL.
"From its origins, the California Historical Society has focused on collecting and preserving the history of the West and has amassed a remarkably rich and diverse archive over the years," Keller said. "Its collections of books, journals, letters and postcards, maps, photographs, newspapers, and more form an enormous, relatively untapped resource for historical research, for teaching, and for understanding the history of California and the western region."
Items from the CHS Collection date back to the early eighteenth century. Spanning roughly 16,000 linear feet, the CHS Collection is renowned for its rare and diverse range of materials, making it one of the most significant collections of California state and local history.
Some items of historic importance include original material from significant events such as the Gold Rush, statehood, and the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake and Fire. It also features unique collections, including the records of the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California, which date back to the early 1900s.
Stanford historian Gordon H. Chang, the Olive H. Palmer Professor in Humanities, knows well the importance of having access to California's rich history. "The Chinese Railroad Workers in North America Project at Stanford devoted considerable attention to mining the CHS archive and found material never used by previous railroad scholars," said Chang. His research shows the depth of the CHS Collection and its synergy to SUL's own holdings on the history of Asian Americans, African Americans, and Mexican Americans with the Chinese American Citizens Alliance Papers, the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund records, and the Huey P. Newton/Black Panther Party Papers.
Another Stanford scholar that has turned to the CHS Collection for his own research is Richard White, the Margaret Byrne Professor of American History, Emeritus at Stanford and author of Railroaded and California Exposures.
"For me the CHS Collection is one of the most valuable, and underutilized collections in California," said White. "It will augment SUL's holdings in the American West, helping to fill in gaps from the nineteenth and early twentieth-century California. This is an incredibly rare opportunity to bring an archive of this significance to Stanford."
David M. Kennedy, the Donald J. McLachlan Professor of History, Emeritus at Stanford and founding Faculty Director of the Lane Center, said that the acquisition of this collection "will make Stanford the premier place for historical research about California and the broader North American West."
The CHS Board considered several leading research and public institutions in California and ultimately decided that SUL was the best choice to manage and grow the CHS Collection. "SUL brings a strong infrastructure that spans a network of twenty libraries across Stanford's campus and an expansive team with knowledge and expertise in collections development, digitization and preservation, and technologies development," said CHS Interim CEO Jen Whitley. "Through SUL's partnership with the Bill Lane Center for the American West, the CHS Collection will continue to increase our understanding of California and the Western region.
Richard Saller, Stanford's twelfth President and the Kleinheinz Family Professor of European Studies, said the addition of the collection supports the university's core mission of research and education. "At a time when historical perspective is so critical, the California Historical Society Collection will provide a treasure trove of information about long-term trajectories over the past two centuries."
Read full Stanford University Libraries press release.
Contact: chscollection@stanford.edu
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Stanford University Libraries assume stewardship of the California Historical Society Collection
Stanford University Libraries assume stewardship of the California Historical Society Collection
PETALING JAYA, Malaysia, Jan. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- VISTA Eye Specialist (VISTA) is proud to announce its inclusion among Asia's Top Private Hospitals for 2025, as recognized by the prestigious Newsweek magazine. This accolade highlights VISTA's unwavering dedication to providing exceptional eye care, prioritizing patient satisfaction, and embracing innovation in ophthalmology.
VISTA's Leadership in Eye Care
The Newsweek "Top Private Hospitals in Asia" award reaffirms VISTA's position as an eye care leader in Malaysia and across the region. Known for its cutting-edge technology, highly skilled professionals, and patient-centric approach, VISTA continues to set new standards of excellence in ophthalmology.
Raising the Bar for World-Class Eye Care
Since its establishment, VISTA has revolutionized eye care services in the region with state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to innovation. The organization consistently achieves superior patient outcomes, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted authority in the field.
"Being recognized by Newsweek is a significant milestone for our team," said Boon Siong Lim, Founder of VISTA. "This award validates our commitment to delivering world-class eye care and fostering patient trust. Our mission remains clear: to bring better vision and better lives to the communities we serve."
Innovating with a Focus on Patient Experience
VISTA recently partnered with healthcare expert Shareef Mahdavi to implement the PX Ninety program—a 90-day action-oriented initiative designed to enhance patient experiences, strengthen team collaboration, and optimize practice performance. This partnership underscores VISTA's proactive approach to redefining patient care and improving healthcare delivery.
Known for its pioneering advancements in vision correction and treatment, VISTA offers a comprehensive range of solutions, including LASIK, CLEAR PRO, and ICL surgeries, as well as advanced treatments for cataracts (including No-Blade Cataract Surgery), children's myopia, and dry eye disease. Beyond clinical excellence, VISTA prioritizes compassionate, patient-centered care through rigorous staff training and innovative service delivery.
Embedding ESG Principles and Ikigai in Operations
VISTA integrates Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into its operations, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. Recognized with multiple ESG Awards and certified by BCorp—a designation for businesses meeting high social and environmental performance standards—VISTA's efforts emphasize its role in advancing eye care, supporting community well-being, and promoting environmental stewardship. In 2025, VISTA will be collaborating with Tzu Chi to offer free cataract surgeries for 100 individuals from poor and underserved communities, reinforcing its commitment to making quality eye care accessible to all.
Additionally, VISTA has embraced the Japanese philosophy of Ikigai, which aligns work with purpose and fulfillment. By embedding Ikigai into its culture, VISTA fosters a meaningful and engaging environment for its staff and patients, driving holistic well-being and improved clinical outcomes.
An Award That Fuels Future Ambitions
This recognition inspires VISTA's continued growth and innovation. Plans for 2025 include expanding its network of centers and integrating advanced AI technologies to enhance clinical care further. VISTA extends its heartfelt gratitude to its key partners, doctors, and dedicated team members for their vital contributions to this achievement.
"This honor is a testament to the collective effort of our entire team," said Dr. Aloysius Joseph Low, Founder and Medical Director. "It reflects the trust our patients place in us and motivates us to continue innovating, prioritizing safety, and delivering exceptional clinical results."
With an increasing number of people living to 100 years and beyond, VISTA believes that restoring clear vision enables individuals to fully embrace their golden years and living life to the fullest.
About VISTA Eye Specialist
A member of Qualitas Health Group, VISTA Eye Specialist has been Malaysia's leading provider of comprehensive ophthalmology services since its founding in 1999. Specializing in cataract and refractive surgeries, VISTA serves thousands of patients annually. Celebrated for its innovative technologies, exceptional care, and highly skilled team, VISTA has solidified its reputation as the region's gold standard in eye health.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
VISTA Eye Specialist Honored as One of Asia's Top Private Hospitals by Newsweek for 2025