Family History Resources
The California State Archives is a rich resource for those who are researching their family history. Many records exist that can provide information about individuals. Please note that the State Archives does not have birth, death or marriage records. For more information on accessing birth, death or marriage records in California see our Frequently Asked Questions webpage.
Records marked with an asterick (*) may contain restricted documents. Please consult the Reference Archivist for more information. Records more than 75 years old are open without restriction.
Census Schedules 1852 State, 1860 and 1880 Federal
- Filed alphabetically by county name. Includes name, age, sex, occupation, birthplace and last residence. Indexes available.
County Records 1850–1987
- Includes probate court case files, wills, naturalizations, deeds, homesteads, and vital records for 28 counties. Not all records are available for all counties.
Mental Health Records* 1856–1934
- Records may include patient registers and case files for Agnews (located in Santa Clara),
DeWitt (located in Auburn),
Mendocino,
Modesto,
Sonoma and
Stockton State Hospitals. Some indexes are available.
Military Records 1850–1942
- Includes organization papers, muster rolls, and other records relating to Independent Militia Units, Indian Wars, Civil War, Spanish–American War, World War I and II. Name indexes available for Independent Militia Units, 1851–1866 and Civil War Volunteers, 1861–1867. For United States military records contact the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).
Prison Records* 1850–1979
- Includes San Quentin and Folsom prison registers, inmate photographs, inmate case files (samples only) and pardon files. Name indexes, 1850–1979. Also available are Youth Authority registers and some case files for Whittier (1891–1948), Ventura (1909–1963, girls), and Preston (1894–1914); names indexes are available for records dated through 1930.
Supreme and Appellate Court Cases 1850–1970
- Filed numerically by case number. Includes briefs, transcripts and opinions. Plaintiff and defendant name indexes, 1850–1930, are available.
Common School Reports 1862–1960
- Filed chronologically by school year and then alphabetically by county name. Includes school districts, student attendance figures, grade taught, length of school year, school finances, names of teachers and condition of schools.
Articles of Incorporation 1850–1959
- Filed alphabetically by company name. Includes company name, purpose, place of business, names of officers and amount of capital invested.
Trademarks 1861–date
- Filed numerically by trademark number and chronologically by date of filing. Includes name of claimant, type of product, label specimen or written description and occasionally business address. Claimant and trademark name idexes available.
Department of Professional and Vocational Standards/Consumer Affairs – Licensing Files* 1885–1968
- Filed by type of profession and then alphabetically by name. Includes biographical data, letters, photographs, newspaper clippings relating to: Architectural Examiners, 1901–1947; Civil and Professional Engineers, 1930–1966; Cosmetologists, 1928–1960; Dental Examiners, 1885–1959; Medical Examiners, 1902–1981; Pharmacy Board, 1894–1994; Chiropractic Examiners, 1928–2000; and Social Work Examiners, 1940–1967.
