archival adj. ~ 1. Of or pertaining to archives. – 2. Records · Having enduring value; permanent.
archives (also archive), n. ~ 1. Materials created or received by a person, family, or organization, public or private, in the conduct of their affairs and preserved because of the enduring value contained in the information they contain or as evidence of the functions and responsibilities of their creator, especially those materials maintained using the principles of provenance, original order, and collective control; permanent records.
The Archives contains more than 300 collections consisting of about 8,000 boxes of personal papers and institutional records. Particular subject strengths include the Texas Medical Center, the Atomic Bomb Casualty Commission, John P. McGovern papers, R. Lee Clark papers, University of Texas Medical School records, and Baylor College of Medicine records. The McGovern Historical Center has two types of archival collections: Manuscript Collections and Institutional Collections.
Manuscript Collections are primarily personal papers. These collections contain materials from prominent leaders, physicians, researchers, nurses, faculty, staff and other healthcare professionals that were influential in the Texas Medical Center. There are many collections related to the Atomic Bomb Casualty Commission and rheumatology. The collections contain correspondence, speeches, reprints, financial records, photographs, and audiovisual materials. Manuscript Collections are identified with an MS collection number.
Institutional Collections are records created by organizations. These collections contain materials from institutions in the Texas Medical Center, Houston area hospitals and medical organizations. The collections contain administrative documents, financial records, photographs, newsletters, directories, brochures, and patient log books. Institutional Collections are identified with an IC collection number.