Welcome to

The Friends of California Archives

The Breadth of History

Adds Richness and Context to Life

Discover the wealth of knowledge and experience of those who have gone before

The Time Travelers


History Makers

Follow Mrs. Johnson's class as they discover the remarkable women who paved the way for Equal Rights in California.

Archival Connections

Archival Institutions and Related Connections – Places You May Find Resources

California State Archives

The California State Archives serves a wide variety of researchers whose interests range from legislative intent and public policy to genealogy and railroad history in California

Highlights of California Collections

A thoughtfully curated selection from the extensive resources accessible to the public across our Golden State, refreshed each month.

California Museum

The California Museum — home of the California Hall of Fame — engages, educates and enlightens people about California’s rich history, diversity and unique influence on the world of ideas, innovation, art and culture.

Features

Oral Histories

Personal Recollections of California’s Past

Man with headset reading notes

Californian of the Month

JESSE UNRUH

photo courtesy of

USC Center for the Political Future

This Year in History

1907

Evening Tribune, 1907

photo courtesy of

San Diego Evening Tribune, June 13, 1907

Board of Directors
The Friends' team of dedicated volunteers strives to bring California's rich history alive and to provide resources to identify the many repositories that house this information, including state and local government agencies and private institutions.
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News / Updates

The Friends of California Archives also produces news releases,  stories of archival interest and actively supports National Archives Month.  

See our latest News/Updates below:

Interesting Facts:

California’s first Constitutional Convention met for thirty-seven days in Monterey, from September 1 to October 13, 1849.

 – 1849 California Constitution Fact Sheet

“All men are by nature free and independent, and have certain inalienable rights, among which are those of enjoying and defending life and liberty; acquiring, possessing, and protecting property; and pursuing and obtaining safety and happiness.”

 – California State Constitution, Article 1, Section 1