Sedona Heritage Museum Unveils Free Microfilm Scanning Service for All

The Sedona Heritage Museum has enhanced its archival capabilities with the acquisition of a ScanPro 2500 microfilm and microfiche scanner. This new technology streamlines the process of digitizing historical documents, enabling residents to access and transfer information onto flash drives at no cost.

Executive Director Nate Meyers expressed gratitude for donor contributions to the museum’s annual campaign. “This scanner will allow us to digitize microfilm and microfiche,” he noted, emphasizing plans to make additional issues of the Red Rock News accessible through the Arizona Memory Project.

The scanner purchase was part of a broader $30,000 fundraising initiative, which also saw the introduction of the Agents of Discovery smartphone app. This app enriches visitors’ experiences at the museum by offering interactive tasks and prizes, alongside virtual maps featuring videos and multimedia.

Meyers highlighted that the funds raised will support multimedia program administration for the next five years. The scanner is expected to be cost-effective, eliminating the need for external scanning services, which previously required outsourcing to a facility in Maryland.

“We’d love to share this tool with other museums and residents,” Meyers stated. He shared an anecdote about veterans struggling to access their records stored on microfiche. “Now they do,” he affirmed, pointing out the immediate benefit of the new equipment.

Among the SHM collections is a box labeled “Real estate records,” which Meyers noted he is eager to explore further with the new scanner. He also encouraged individuals interested in volunteering to operate the equipment, assuring them of comprehensive training. “You don’t have to come knowing how this beast works; it’s pretty intuitive,” he said.

Residents in need of access to microfilm can contact the museum at (928) 282-7038 or submit a research request via sedonamuseum.org. Those wishing to volunteer can reach out to volunteer coordinator Julie Holst for more information.