In 1965 and again in 1981, the National Association of Chambers of Commerce recognized Valdez as an All-American City. Valdez won the first award in 1965 for its exceptional recovery after the earthquake and again in 1981 for the community's response to the 1980 sinking of the cruise ship Prinsendam in the Gulf of Alaska. This collection contains photographs, documents, correspondence, and a promotional exhibit that relate to the two awards.