Preserving 160 Years of History: The Amity Lodge No. 4 Archives Project

Written By Audie Robinson

For more than a century and a half, Amity Lodge No. 4, Free and Accepted Masons, has been a cornerstone of Silver City’s history. Its story is woven through Nevada’s mining boom, community development, and the lives of generations who lived and worked in the Comstock region. Today, ArchiveWorks Nevada is honored to lead an extensive preservation and archival initiative to protect, organize, and share this remarkable legacy.

Why This Project Matters

Amity Lodge’s records span from 1863 to the present—well over 160 years of continuous documentation. These materials tell the story not only of a fraternal organization but also of the wider community: miners, merchants, civic leaders, families, and local events that shaped Lyon and Storey Counties.

Until recently, these archives had never been fully organized or professionally assessed. Many items were stored in non-climate-controlled conditions, and some remained untouched for decades. Our goal is to stabilize, document, and preserve this irreplaceable heritage so it remains accessible for future generations.

What ArchiveWorks Nevada Is Doing

1. Full Archival Survey and Processing

We began by conducting a comprehensive survey of all materials housed at the lodge. This includes:

  • Membership applications from the 1800s to mid-20th century

  • Meeting minutes

  • Financial records

  • Correspondence

  • Photographs, slides, and ephemera

  • Records from affiliated fraternal organizations, including Valley Lodge No. 9, IOOF Silver City Lodge No. 2, and AOUW Lodge No. 16

To date, more than 22 linear feet of records have been processed, with more continuing weekly.

2. Creating Structured Metadata and Finding Aids

Each collection is being arranged and described using archival best practices. Standardized metadata helps ensure long-term usability, and newly developed inventories support both internal lodge needs and researcher access.

3. Digitization of Historic Records

The lodge’s extensive archives include over 15,000 digitized images, and counting. These high-resolution digital files ensure long-term preservation while reducing handling of fragile originals. Select images will soon be made available to the public for research and historical engagement.

4. Conservation Awareness and Stabilization

While ArchiveWorks Nevada does not perform invasive treatment onsite, the project includes:

  • Surface cleaning of documents

  • Housing fragile materials in archival enclosures

  • Identifying items needing professional conservation services

  • Advising the lodge on environmental and storage improvements

5. Building a Sustainable, Community-Oriented Archive

The Amity archives are being developed not only for storage, but for use. Future plans include:

  • Making the collections available to genealogists and researchers by appointment

  • Using the space for educational, historical, and community programming

  • Supporting the lodge’s mission as a living part of Silver City’s cultural heritage

Early Discoveries and Highlights

Among the items uncovered so far are:

  • 1860s correspondence and petitions from early Nevada Freemasons

  • Original ledgers documenting Silver City’s growth during the territorial era

  • Membership applications revealing family histories and migratory patterns

  • Historic slides and photographs of lodge life, events, and the changing Comstock landscape

  • Records from organizations that once met in the same historic building

Each discovery adds new layers to the story of Silver City and the people who built it.

What’s Next

The project is ongoing and expanding. Upcoming milestones include:

  • Completion of digitization for 19th-century membership records

  • Creation of public-facing historical narratives for exhibits, talks, and publications

  • Development of a long-term digital preservation plan

  • Preparing a comprehensive historical report for 2025

The archives are already transforming into a meaningful resource for researchers, historians, family members, and the local community.

Why ArchiveWorks Nevada Is Invested in This Work

This project represents the heart of what we do, helping communities preserve their stories, safeguard their records, and understand their history. Amity Lodge No. 4 is one of Nevada’s oldest fraternal organizations, and its archives are a treasure trove of cultural heritage. We’re honored to help ensure these materials remain secure, organized, and accessible for decades to come.

Audie Robinson
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