The Corporations Division of the Arizona Corporation Commission recently partnered with the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (“NHPRC”) on a fantastic endeavor to digitize its massive collection of archived microfiche records.

With the funding, assistance, and support of the NHPRC, the Arizona Corporation Commission is currently in the process of digitizing nearly 4 million microfiche images. These include business records from the approximate years of 1900 – 1980. In fact, some of the Arizona Corporation Commission’s unique and historical microfiche records predate Arizona statehood.

The Arizona Corporation Commission believes the digitization of its microfiche collection will provide wide-ranging benefits to the public, including specific audiences such as historians, researchers, archivists, students, and others. Not only will this project allow for free and instant access of microfiche records, but it will also give interested parties a first-hand look at what historical filings resembled circa 1900. That was when they were once filed with the Office of the Secretary of the Territory of Arizona.

This incredible project, which has been made possible by a grant in the amount of $140,624 from the NHPRC, is already underway. Once fully completed, consumers will no longer have to pay fees, submit request forms, or endure wait times to obtain most microfiche records. Upon completion of the project, digitized microfiche records will be free of charge and available for instant download through the Arizona Corporation Commission’s eCorp portal.