Society of California Pioneers

Today the Society operates a public museum and non circulating research library, both housed in one of the iconic Montgomery Barracks Buildings on The Presidio of San Francisco's historic Main Post.

Pioneer Hall, which houses the museum and research library (open to the public on Fridays, the first Saturday of each month, or otherwise by appointment) is located in the historic Presidio Main Post at 101 Montgomery, Suite 150.

Documents from the Society's archives record defining events dating back to the founding and early history of California, including The Gold Rush, The Earthquake and Fire of 1906, and many others.

Their collection includes manuscripts and letters, paintings, prints and drawings, photographs, books, maps, newspapers and journals, and the business ledgers of mining and transportation companies, as well as historic artifacts and decorative objects.

An extensive collection of overland and pioneer diaries held here includes those of John A. Sutter and a letter by Henry William Bigler, both primary sources announcing the discovery of gold in California.