What’s in your HCN archives?

Former Assistant Editor Jessica Kutz with an HCN patch sewn on her pack as she trekked the Colorado Trail in 2019 (top). Rebecca Clarren and Greg Hanscom with an HCN banner in 2000 (left). One of the stacks of back issues on Associate Photo Editor Luna Anna Archey’s desk (right).

Dear Friends: This month, we have archives on the mind. But first, a mea culpa.

In February, we asked you for ideas on how to connect with our readers in this digital, dispersed era. We also gave you a new email: dearfriends@hcn.org. Unfortunately, we goofed up on our end, and a few emails may have bounced back to their senders. We apologize and thank everyone who followed up and let us know something was amiss. Rest assured, your emails are coming through now.

We continue to welcome your suggestions. The book club idea was popular, although those who liked it admitted belonging to several book clubs already. Lee Stephenson from Seattle suggested expertly narrated video tours of interesting or overlooked Western places. Keep sending your thoughts to dearfriends@hcn.org. Should we keep a running HCN reading list? What makes a good video tour?

David Havlick was an intern (the intern, back when it was a solo deal) in 1985. Here, he’s pictured in western Montana in 1991. His HCN shirt was colorful — high visbility during hunting season (top). Art Director Cindy Wehling’s 25th anniversary T-shirt from 1995 (left). Lou Patterson’s 40th anniversary vest (right).

Is there a faded HCN sticker slowly peeling off your car bumper?

We have another invitation for you this month: In conjunction with the publication of our Archives Issue, we are inviting our community to reach into your own archives and share a picture on social media of you with your favorite back issue of HCN, or a towering stack of back issues, or an article of HCN merchandise from over the years. Is there a faded HCN sticker slowly peeling off your car bumper? Do you have an old photo of yourself in a long-retired HCN hat, or a current photo of yourself in a well-loved and enviably faded one? Is an HCN shirt your favorite paint-covered work shirt? Pull it on and snap a selfie, then tag us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, using the hashtag #myHCNarchive.

We’ll be back next month with more of your ideas for how HCN can connect with readers and some highlights from our latest survey. —Greg Hanscom, executive director and publisher

We welcome reader letters. Email High Country News at editor@hcn.org or submit a letter to the editor. See our letters to the editor policy.