The vast majority of Presidio archaeological sites date from 1776-1945, the Presidio’s historic period of significance. Their study requires close attention to historic records from written and oral sources.

Archives relating to the Presidio’s past exist all over the world. Some specialized historical studies have begun to establish the context of the Spanish, Mexican, and U.S. Army periods. However, more information is needed regarding the people, events, and materials that shaped this place.

This work has begun through a partnership with the International Council on Monuments and Sites. During 2003 and 2004 a visiting scholar from the National Historical Institute in the Philippines worked at the Presidio indexing and translating microfilm from the Archivo General de la Nación in Mexico City. This work provided amazing insight into the lives of the colonists.

In the future, the Presidio archaeology program will establish a network of partnerships with local, national, and international archives to acquire and share vital historic documents relating to the Presidio’s past.