Peterson Zah Collection

The Peterson Zah Collection contains professional papers, correspondence, newspaper articles, photographs, audiovisual material, and artifacts dating from 1969 to 1994. The bulk of the material dates from 1982 to 1990 and consists of papers showing Zah's time campaigning for and acting as Chairman and later President of the Navajo Nation. The collection is arranged in five series.

Series I: Professional Papers includes material from Peterson Zah's campaign activities in addition to his 1983 to 1987 term as Chairman and his 1990 to 1994 term as President of the Navajo Nation. Included are government reports, papers, and correspondence dealing with Peter MacDonald, Big Boquillas Ranch, and the Navajo-Hopi land dispute. The papers also include material from his time at the DNA Legal Service and the Native American Consulting Service. For the purposes of the collection's series list the contemporary title of President will be used, but the series includes papers from Peterson Zah's Chairmanship as well.

Series II: Scrapbooks and Newspapers Articles documents such subjects as Peterson Zah's campaign, administrations, Peter MacDonald, the Navajo-Hopi land dispute, and the Big Boquillas Ranch among others. The majority of the articles are loose; there are also seven scrapbooks of collected newspaper articles.

Series III: Photographs houses publicity shots for campaigns and administrations, building openings, graduations, and photographs taken during Zah's time at DNA Legal Service. Most are undated and unidentified. Also included are negatives, four photograph albums, and one box of oversize photographs. Photographs of note include Peterson Zah with Hillary Clinton (Box 68, Folder 7), and Senators John McCain and Pete Domenici (Box 65, Folder 8).

Series IV: Audio Visual consists of audiotapes, 8mm films, and videotapes. The audiotapes include speeches and meetings; the 8mm films include campaign material. The videotapes include a debate, a Save the Children production entitled Requiem for the Americas, and more.

The bulk of Series V: Artifacts and Memorabilia is composed plaques received by Peterson Zah. Some framed works and campaign memorabilia are also included.