City of Monterey - Monterey Region Historical Collections

Member Organizations
(In Alphabetical Order)

Archives of the Diocese of Monterey
The diocesan archives has records and a reference library about the Catholic faith, Catholic Church institutions, sacramental records and the Old Missions in the four counties of Santa Cruz, San Benito, Monterey and San Luis Obispo. An appointment is required for gaining entry. Contact: Father Carl Faria. Phone 831.373.2127

Big Sur Historical Society
The Bill and Luci Post Archives of the Big Sur Historical Society are housed at the Post Ranch. The Archives hold a wealth of images, books, objects, artwork and ephemera pertaining to Big Sur community, pioneers and prominent residents. The archives are not open to the public, but are available for specific research by appointment. Contact: Librarian at 831.620.054

Colton Hall & Presidio of Monterey Museums
Two City of Monterey museums feature collections associated with Monterey's development and the military in Monterey. Colton Hall Museum archives include surname and location files along with photo archives. The Presidio Museum archives feature information about the military at the Presidio following the establishment of a permanent post at the turn of the 20th century. Contact: Jim Conway. Phone 831.646.3991

Henry Meade Williams Local History Department
Harrison Memorial Library/Park Branch (Carmel)
The collections include over 6,000 historically significant items concerning the history of Carmel-by-the-Sea, including photographs, 2,000 books and letters, diaries, manuscripts, programs, maps, scrapbooks and works of art. Contact: Librarian/Archivist Rose McLendon. Phone: 831.624.1615

Heritage Society of Pacific Grove
Housed in Ketchum's Barn (built 1891) the collections consist of historical materials, documents, photos, and oral histories pertaining primarily to Pacific Grove. Phone 831.372.2898

California History Room and Archives, Monterey Public Library
Early California and Monterey area history. Collections inlcude books, pamphlets, newspapers, journals and magazines, documents, photographs (over 10,000), maps and other archival materials. Contact: Archivist Dennis Copeland. Phone 831.646.3741

Monterey County Agricultural & Rural Life Museum
Photographs, documents, business ledgers, Spreckels Sugar Co. records, newspapers and ephemera relating to agriculture and rural life in the Salinas Valley c1875 - c1950. Archive room by appointment only. Contact: Rachell Conyers. Phone 831.385.8020 Fax: 831.386.0178

Monterey History and Art Association
Monterey Maritime and History Museum features the Allen Knight Maritime Collection, Research Library and photographic collection for scholastic research. Located at 5 Custom House Plaza, Monterey, CA 93940; Phone 831.372.2608 or e-mail Tim Thomas. Mayo Hayes O'Donnell Library offers local and California history collection of books and archives for both scholars and hobbyists. Located at 155 Van Buren Street; 831.372.1838. Or contact Tim Thomas, Phone 831.372.2608 #17

Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) Foundation
History of the Hotel Del Monte, NPS, naval research, the Ingersoll family and namesake ships. Contact: NPS Foundation. Phone: 831.656.2339

Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History and Point Pinos Lighthouse
Collections emphasize natural history of Monterey County including birds, mammals, rocks, minerals, native plants and California Native Americans. Founded as part of the Chautauqua movement, the Museum houses photos, documents and some historical collections. Phone: 831.648.5716 ext.12
Pajaro Valley Historical Association

The primary objectives and purposes of this organization are to promote interest in the Pajaro Valley, gather objects, artifacts, photos, documents and other materials of historical value; to protect its historic sites, landmarks and buildings; and to assist in the identification points and to erect suitable markers or monuments. Contact: Via E-mail or Phone 831.722.0305.

Point Lobos Natural History Association
The Point Lobos Natural History Association assists California State Parks in interpreting the Reserve. In addition, the Association can provide you with information and sources on the unique natural and cultural history of Point Lobos, from Native Peoples, Chinese and Japanese fishermen, and Portuguese whalers to the establishment of the Reserve. E-mail ptlobos@mbay.net or call 831.624.4909.