Sam Francis’s world was expansive and international. Within the artist’s extensive archives exists a galaxy of historical paths connecting so many others. The artist influenced and was influenced by so many from Japan, France, Switzerland, Mexico, and all over the US. He counted many talented people as friends, colleagues and family. In an effort to see how his history intersected with so many others we proudly support this online publication of articles titled Archive Connection. We invite colleagues, staff, scholars and interested people into Francis’s archives to expand that information into small essays. Our goal is to promote the exploration of historical figures that have not otherwise been given larger platforms. We also hope that researchers and historians will be introduced to the scope of Francis’s archives.