Newspaper & Mailroom

Scripps Ensures Public Access to Archives and Artifacts of Rocky Mountain News

Monday 08. June 2009 - Less than four months after the Rocky Mountain News published its final edition, its long-time parent company is negotiating agreements with two Colorado organizations to ensure responsible stewardship of the storied newspaper's archives and artifacts.

The E.W. Scripps Company, which closed the Rocky on Feb. 27, 2009, is finalizing an arrangement with the Denver Public Library, which would assume ownership of the Rocky’s voluminous archives, including all digital and paper newspaper clipping files, biographical and general files, microfilm reels, digital and photographic files, books, correspondence and marketing materials.

A similar agreement is being negotiated between Scripps and the Colorado Historical Society, which will assume ownership of such other artifacts as signs, photographs, special editions, artwork and other information that documents the history of the Rocky.

“For nearly a century and a half, the Rocky Mountain News provided the most comprehensive, compelling and captivating storytelling of the development of Denver and the state of Colorado. We sought partners who would regard the deep and rich trove of Rocky archives as a community treasure that needs to be preserved for generations to come,” said Rich Boehne, president and chief executive officer of Scripps. “It’s good for Denver that these two institutions share our commitment to maintaining the public’s access to these pages of history.”