There are probably not many banks that have an historical archive. We're fortunate to have one. Here are a few things you may want to know about ours.
Q: So what’s in the Archives?
A: The Archives is an amazing collection of records, books, journals, art, photographs and artifacts. Everything that you see in our historical exhibits and history museums comes from our vast collection.
Our collection of materials documents the origins, development, operations of Wells Fargo and all its subsidiaries, affiliates and merger partners since 1852, all of which are of enduring historical value. Our Special Collections include materials relating to the history of San Francisco, banking and express businesses, and stagecoach operations in the 19th century.
Q: Who uses the Archives? Is it open to the public?
A: The Archives is a central resource for those seeking information about Wells Fargo’s history. The Archives primarily serves internal business departments across the company, but we also assist those performing scholarly research.
Q: So what’s the connection between the quake and the Archives?
A: Obviously, Wells Fargo was in business during the time of the 1906 Earthquake. Not all of those records were destroyed in the fire. Some of them did survive and we carefully store them in the Archives. Right now, you can see original documents from the 1906 Earthquake on display in our History Museum.
Q: How old is the oldest document in the Archives?
A: The Archives has the original records of Wells Fargo from when it was established in 1852.
Q: What’s the coolest thing about the place?
A: The Archives is cool—literally. We keep the records in a temperature and humidity controlled vault. The temperature never gets higher than 65 degrees.
Q: What's with the white gloves? Fashion accessory?
A: Archivists always wear gloves. We never really touch things in the archives with our bare hands. Everything we have here is fragile.
Q: What’s the coolest thing about your job?
A: I work with cool people, cool stuff, and for a cool company like Wells Fargo.
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