Abstract
The evolution of the California State Archives (CSA) Diseños Collection is illustrative of how a major state institution negotiates the creation and expansion of archival infrastructure, collections management, complete metadata, and public history. Through the rigorous examination and scrutiny of contemporary archival best practice standards, The Diseños Collection: A Digital History of California Land Management has resulted in the completion of thorough metadata that accompanies the CSA’s Diseños Collection, available online through their digital catalog. The Diseños Collection: A Digital History of California Land Management identifies chapters of California history intentionally camouflaged during the State’s early American period and facilitates Californians’ understanding of our shared history.