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An early 20th century “mug shot” book from San Quentin Prison is just one of the pieces of California memorabilia preserved and protected by State Archives staff.

California’s capital city of Sacramento may be all about politics, but it is also a treasure trove for genealogists.


Recently, a small group of California Genealogical Society (CGS) members showed up in the capital city for a “behind the scenes” tour of the State Archives, located in the building occupied by the Secretary of State and the California Museum.


Although the State Archives was established in 1850 primarily to house records of California state agencies, the governor’s office, the state legislature, and the State Supreme Court and Courts of Appeal, it also contains many genealogical resources. It is one of the biggest archives west of the Mississippi.

CGS members pose in front of shelves of vintage books and ledgers with Archivist Jessica Herrick (left) before exploring the stacks on the 4th Floor of the California State Archives.

What we experienced
Archivist Jessica Herrick told CGS members that its list of Collections & Catalogs includes photographs and some census, county, mental health, military and prison records. 

Vintage Maps are preserved in a climate-controlled room of the California State Archives.

In addition, there are records for Supreme and Appellate Court cases, Common School Reports, Articles of Incorporation, Trademarks, and Professional and Vocational Licensing files.

Preserving ledgers from the former Whittier State School, established as a reform school for boys and girls in 1891, is an ongoing project for the State Archives staff.

The 1852 state census is on hand, as well as the 1860 and 1889 Federal Censuses. County records from 1850 -1987 are housed at the Archives and include probate court case files, wills, naturalizations, deeds, homesteads and vital records for more than 20 counties.


Common School Reports (1862-1960) include school districts, student attendance figures, grades taught and names of teachers. 

The destructive cigarette beetle – otherwise known as a “bookworm” is just one of the challenges faced by the preservation staff at the California State Archives.

In addition to housing important documents related to the history of California, the Archives is also tasked with preserving older documents, books, maps and ephemera.

Document Preservation Technician Juan Ramos, shows Jessica Herrick, Archivist, some of the preservation work his staff has completed  on an 1892 World Atlas.