Society of California Pioneers facts for kids
The Society of California Pioneers started in 1850. It helps people learn about and enjoy California's art, history, and culture. It was created by people who came to California before 1850. Their families have kept the Society going strong. It has always helped its members, researchers, and everyone else.
Today, the Society has a public museum and a special library for research. Both are in a famous building at The Presidio of San Francisco.
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Contents
What the Society Does & Who Can Join
According to its rules, the Society's main goal is "to collect and preserve information connected with the early settlement and formation of" the state of California. The Society helps students and researchers. It encourages new ideas that show and celebrate the many different experiences from California's past.
The Society is still a membership group. You can join if you are a direct descendant of someone who arrived in California before January 1, 1850.
Explore the Museum & Library
The Society's main office is in the Presidio of San Francisco. Pioneer Hall holds the museum and research library. You can visit the museum and library on Fridays or the first Saturday of each month. You can also make an appointment to visit. It is located at 101 Montgomery, Suite 150, in the historic Presidio Main Post.
Discover California's Past at the Museum
The Society Museum often changes its exhibits. It shows art and items collected since 1850. The museum offers free learning programs for school kids. It also has public tours and events.
Research at the Alice Phelan Sullivan Library
The Alice Phelan Sullivan Research Library holds many of the Society's collections. It allows some public access or research visits by appointment. This library has a private collection of rare original materials.
Documents from the Society's archives tell about important events. These include the founding and early history of California. You can find information about The Gold Rush and The Earthquake and Fire of 1906. The collection includes old letters, paintings, drawings, photographs, books, maps, newspapers, and journals. It also has business records from mining and transportation companies. Plus, there are historic items and decorative objects.
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Special Collections: Diaries, Photos, and Art
The library has many diaries from pioneers and people who traveled overland. These include diaries from John A. Sutter. There is also a letter from Henry William Bigler. Both are original sources that announced the discovery of gold in California.
The Society's photo archive holds works by famous photographers. These include Carleton Watkins, Eadweard Muybridge, Lawrence & Houseworth, and Turrill & Miller. You can see photographs, wide-view pictures, and daguerreotypes (early photos).
The museum's painting collection is especially known for its 1800s artworks. It includes paintings by famous landscape artists like Thomas Hill and Jules Tavernier. There are also works by mural artist William Coulter and Fresno-born artist Maynard Dixon. These paintings, along with the Society's collection of prints, create a clear visual record. They show what life was like in California and the American West over many years.
See also
- List of historical societies in California
