California is home to over 800 historical societies, preservation organizations, and heritage groups. From major institutions in Sacramento, San Francisco, and Los Angeles to small-town societies preserving local heritage, these organizations maintain vital connections to California's rich past.
Featured Historical Societies
Autry Museum of the American West
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Founded: 1988
The collection encompasses over 600,000 objects including art, firearms, saddles, and Hollywood Western memorabilia
Website: theautry.org
California State Railroad Museum
Location: Sacramento, CA
Founded: 1976
Rooted in efforts begun in 1937 by the Pacific Coast Chapter of the Railway & Locomotive Historical Society, who donated 30 historic locomotives to California State Parks
Chinese Historical Society of Southern California
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Founded: 1975
Website: chssc.org
Oakland Museum of California
Location: Oakland, CA
Founded: 1969
Created in 1969 through the merger of three institutionsâOakland Public Museum, Oakland Art Gallery, and Snow Museum of Natural Historyâafter voters approved a $6.6 million bond in 1961. Founded as a "people's museum" during the civil rights era, dedicated to representing Oakland's diverse communities
Website: museumca.org
Berkeley Historical Society and Museum
Location: Berkeley, CA
Founded: 1978
Website: berkeleyhistoricalsociety.org
Butte County Historical Society
Location: Oroville, CA
Founded: 1956
Website: buttecountyhistoricalsociety.org
Calaveras County Historical Society
Location: San Andreas, CA
Founded: 1952
Website: calaverashistory.org
California Historical Society
Location: San Francisco, CA
Founded: 1871
Website: californiahistoricalsociety.org
Carpinteria Valley Museum of History
Location: Carpinteria, CA
Founded: 1958
Website: carpinteriahistoricalmuseum.org
Contra Costa County Historical Society
Location: Martinez, CA
Founded: 1953
Website: cocohistory.org
Eastern California Museum
Location: Independence, CA
Founded: 1928
El Dorado County Historical Museum
Location: Placerville, CA
Founded: 1974
Website: eldoradocountymuseum.org
Fresno City & County Historical Society
Location: Fresno, CA
Founded: 1919
Website: valleyhistory.org
Heritage Museum of Orange County
Location: Santa Ana, CA
Founded: 1962
Website: heritagemuseumoc.org
History Center of San Luis Obispo County
Location: San Luis Obispo, CA
Founded: 1953
Website: historycenterslo.org
Modoc County Historical Museum
Location: Alturas, CA
Founded: 1961
Monterey History & Art Association
Location: Monterey, CA
Founded: 1931
Operates historic Casa Serrano and documents Monterey's role as Spanish, Mexican, and American California capital. Preserves artifacts from maritime heritage and sardine fishing industry
Website: montereyhistory.org
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County - History Division
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Founded: 1913
Website: nhm.org
North Shore Beach and Yacht Club
Location: Mecca, CA
Petaluma Historical Library & Museum
Location: Petaluma, CA
Founded: 1904
Website: petalumamuseum.com
RĂłmulo Pico Adobe
Location: Mission Hills, CA
San Diego History Center
Location: San Diego, CA
Founded: 1928
The Document Archives hold over 45 million itemsâthe region's largest historical collectionâincluding 2.5 million photographs, one of the largest regional photography collections in the United States. Notable holdings include the Edward H
Website: sandiegohistory.org
San Joaquin County Historical Society and Museum
Location: Lodi, CA
Founded: 1966
Website: sanjoaquinhistory.org
San Mateo County Historical Association
Location: Redwood City, CA
Founded: 1935
Website: historysmc.org
Santa Barbara Historical Museum
Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Founded: 1932
Website: santabarbarahistory.org
Society of California Pioneers
Location: San Francisco, CA
Founded: 1850
Website: californiapioneers.org
Sonoma County Historical Society
Location: Santa Rosa, CA
Founded: 1962
Website: sonomacountyhistory.org
Submit a Society
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Submit a Society âAdditional California History Resources
- California Historical Society - Statewide history organization
- California Office of Historic Preservation - State historic preservation programs
- California State Archives - State archives in Sacramento