CCSF Library: San Francisco History: Web Links and Archival Resources

Finding San Francisco History Online and in the Archives

There's a wealth of historical information out there about our city. Take a look at some of the following resources to find more materials!

San Francisco Public Library: San Francisco History Center
The Daniel E. Koshland San Francisco History Center contains a research collection of books, newspapers and magazines, photographs, maps, posters, archives and manuscript collections, and ephemera, documenting all aspects of San Francisco life and history. The Center is also the archives for the City and County of San Francisco.
San Francisco Public Library: Historical Photograph Collection
Find free historical images of San Francisco via SFPL
California Digital Newspaper Collection
This free online archive of historical California newspapers is hosted by the University of California Riverside Center for Bibliographical Studies and Research. Search for San Francisco newspapers or conduct a statewide search.
Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers
Hosted by the Library of Congress, browse through American newspapers from 1777-1963. Click on 'All Digitized Newspapers' to search by California and find publication location.
Library of Congress: Prints and Photographs
Contains catalog records and digital images of still pictures held by the Prints & Photographs Division and other units of the Library of Congress. Search 'San Francisco' to find relevant local images.
California Historical Society
Explore the CHS digital library, visit their San Francisco location or attend an event.