Sunnylands archive houses American history
The Sunnylands Estate in Rancho Mirage is home to an archive that rivals a presidential library, housing tens of thousands of letters, guests books, photos from U.S. presidents and royalty. Still, it’s not complete. That’s where you might be able to help.
It’s widely know Walter and Leonore Annenberg were collectors of art, and sculptures. But, the curators weren’t expecting was a treasure trove of written history.
“The only place they exist is in this facility,” said Anne Rowe, director of Collections and Exhibitions at Sunnylands.
The unassuming trailer on the Sunnylands grand estate houses a part of America’s history.
“This is a very rare collection,” said Rowe. “They saved these guest books from the very first day they opened the doors to Sunnylands. So we have guest books Queen Elizabeth has signed, seven US presidents have signed, the whose who of 20th century politics.”
The handwritten guest books are detailed, from drawings of seating arrangements to what was served for dinner. Everything was saved.
“This was before the internet so they corresponded through letters and cards,” said Rowe.
During our visit we saw a letter from Princess Margaret, and one from then Vice President Richard Nixon.
“The closest equivalent is a presidential library,” said Rowe.
There are tens of thousands of pieces that have to be categorized, some they are still going through.
“We still have fun surprises once and a while,” said Rowe. “When we got here, there were filing cabinets, and boxes spilling out with letters and cards from Jackie Kennedy, the Queen of England, Prince Charles.”
The archive continues to grow with items from President Obama’s five visits to what’s now become the Camp David of the West. This winter, the estate will break ground on a state-of-the art facility.
“When we move into our more permanent site, it can become a resource to the public,” said Rowe.
Rowe is also hoping the public might be a resource to the archive.
“We want to hear from those people when it was all happening. The people who worked here, the crafts people who built this incredible place,” said Rowe.
Mary Maloney shared photos of her mother needle pointing fabric that would later become a part of the Annenberg’s home.
“Our community built this place and it’s now an important cultural heritage site. I believe one of the most important in America,” said Rowe.
Sunnylands is celebrating it’s 50th anniversary next March.
If you have any stories or pictures you’d like to share send an email to contact@sunnylands.org or call (760) 202-2233.
