Friends of Hearst Castle finished the primary funding phase of the Julia Morgan Drawings Preservation project in the spring of 2003, in which 9,117 documents were scanned and digitally archived. Friends raised money for this important project in many ways, including setting aside funds generated by the annual "Enchanted Evening." Held each September since 1999, this special event has garnered over $314,303 in total funds.

An early three dimensional sketch shows Casa Grande before the New Wing and Service Wing were added.

Curatorial Staff spent two days learning the new software system.

The digital images, managed using a highly advanced system purchased by FHC, will allow researchers, historians, and scholars to access the drawings in detail without handling the originals.

Chief Curator Hoyt Fields examines a full-color print of a digital scan.

A new archival storage area built by San Simeon District will house the original drawings, which range from quick sketches on scraps of paper no larger than a handprint, to full size designs for Roman Pool mosaics stretching several feet in length. A few drawings bear the bold handwriting of William Randolph Hearst, suggesting changes or directing the placement of art objects.