A glimpse into the life of Sen. John S. McCain
Arizona State University is the home of the John S. McCain III Papers. This collection includes text, digital, visual and ephemera records dating from 1971 to 2018, compiled over his career in political service as a representative from Arizona’s 1st District in the U.S. House of Representatives, as U.S. senator from Arizona and as a two-time candidate for president of the United States. This collection includes 2,277 boxes of files and an additional 1.1 terabytes of digital records, covering areas that include legislation, administration, press and media materials, photographs, correspondence and campaign materials.
Housed in ASU Library's Special Collections, the archive provides researchers with primary source materials from McCain’s political career, showing how decisions were made and the day-to-day work of governing. ASU holds a wide range of Arizona political and congressional collections, allowing researchers to access materials of Arizona political leaders and demonstrating the work of Congress, constituent representation, policymaking, campaigns, diplomacy and the operation of American democracy.
The collection, while separate from the library and museum, offers a complementary way to understand McCain’s life and public service. The museum will include immersive exhibits detailing McCain’s life, from his time as a prisoner of war and flying as a naval aviator, to running for office and serving Arizona. The McCain Papers preserve the original documentary record that supports independent scholarship and historical research.
Questions, requests and appointments to explore the McCain Papers must be made in advance through Ask an Archivist, and materials are accessed in the Wurzburger Reading Room inside Hayden Library on the ASU Tempe campus.
To see what is included in the collection, explore the finding aid to identify relevant boxes, folders and topics before making an appointment.
