Looking for a “cool” encounter with California history? Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the California State Archives (and, yes, our stacks are kept at a brisk 68 degrees year-round)!
State Archives staff will provide a free guided tour of our collections documenting California’s rich history and state government. The State Archives' collections of historic records include more than 350 million documents, 20,000 maps and architectural drawings, 250,000 photographs and thousands of video and audio recordings. Each guided tour provides a close encounter with the Archives’ one-of-a-kind historical documents and behind-the-scenes views of the preservation and imaging labs. The tours last approximately one hour.
Sign up for our May Tour here!
Sign up for our Tour Celebrating National Military Appreciation Month here!
Sign up for our June Tour here!
Sign up for our Tour Celebrating California’s Governors here!
For more information, or to enquire about scheduling a special tour for your group or organization, please email the Archives Tour Coordinator or phone (916) 653-7715.
**The tour usually requires going down one flight of stairs. If you require assistance, please let us know ahead of time so we can ensure your experience is a positive one.**
Come early and enjoy our exhibit, Struggles Against Injustice: A Historical Worldview Timeline of Reparations. The exhibit is located in our 4th Floor Gallery and is open 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Click on the link to visit our online mini tours. California State Archives Online Mini Tours :: California Secretary of State
