New Mexico has lost many historical government records from the Spanish (1598-1821), Mexican (1821-1846) and Territorial (1847-1912) periods to private collections, most of which are outside the state. The New Mexico State Records Center and Archives is concerned about the number of official government records - especially county and municipal records that have recently appeared for sale on eBay and other commercial web sites. The disappearance of government records into private hands deprives the public of access to important historical information that helps us to understand the history our state and our nation.

Government records are created with public funds and belong to the citizens of the State of New Mexico. Chapter 14, Article 5 NMSA 1978 - Public Records Recovery Act governs the recovery of public records in New Mexico.

The Council of State Historical Records Coordinators has released a statement on the issue. Among other matters, the Council requests eBay’s assistance in alerting its customers to the problem.

The New Mexico State Records Center and Archives supports the Council’s initiative. We encourage everyone to read the Council’s statement. http://www.statearchivists.org/issues/publ-rec-auctions.htm .

If you learn of New Mexico government documents being sold on eBay or any other site, please alert the State Records Center and Archives by calling (505) 476-7951 or sending an e-mail message to ARCHIVES@state.nm.us