Academy Archives

The Academy Archives is part of the Academy Library, and includes material on the history of the institution, including scientific expeditions and research, Museum exhibits, building history, and general administrative history. We also hold collections on the history of science in the American West and the research of scientists throughout the Pacific Rim.  Box lists, finding aids, and biographies are available for many of our collections. Additionally, the Academy Archives contains a large photograph collection of over 300,000 images and the film archive of the Academy's 1950s television show Science in Action.

Archives and Manuscripts

The Archives houses 400 archive and manuscript collections. The Institutional Archives are the administrative records of the Academy comprised of meeting minutes, annual reports, press releases, building plans, exhibit documentation, and correspondence. Most of our early records were destroyed in the Earthquake and Fire of 1906 except for Trustee and Member meeting minutes from 1853 on.  Our most frequently consulted institutional collections are CAS Correspondence detailing the daily administrative workings of the Academy from 1906-1990s, the Executive Director files, Buildings collections, and Exhibit files.  We also have various departmental records.

 

The Archives also houses manuscript collections from our scientists and scientists related to the Academy. Manuscript collections are mainly comprised of field notes, unpublished manuscripts, correspondence, scientific illustrations, and photographs.

Images from the Archives

The Archives contains over 300,000 slides, negatives, photographs, and glass plate negatives as well as 50,000 digital images. 

 

 

Using the Collections

Material is available for research and may also be used on a fee basis in publications and commercial products.

 

Please see our Prices for fees and Request for Permission for information about the reproduction and use of materials. Most reproduction orders are completed within 10 working days of receipt. Large or difficult orders may require additional time. Rush orders may be accommodated for additional fees depending on staff availability.

 

All orders must be paid in advance. Acceptable forms of payment are:

  • Cash
  • Check or money order payable to California Academy of Sciences Special Collections
  • Visa, Mastercard, or American Express
  • Pay pal

 

Orders can be shipped via US Mail, UPS or Federal Express. Fees vary depending on shipment method. Digital images can be sent via e-mail or retrieved from our ftp site.

Additional Resources

Visiting the Archives

 

Academy Staff and outside researchers may visit the Archives by appointment. Appointments are available M-F, between 10am and 5pm and will depend on the availability of staff. Please schedule appointments at least one week in advance to ensure that staff is available to work with you. The Academy Archive is located in the Library of the California Academy of Sciences. 

 

Help

  • Who can use the Academy Library?

    The Library is open to all staff, students, and volunteers of the Academy during regular business hours (Monday-Friday 9:00am-5:00pm).

    Members of the public with a legitimate research interest are welcome to use the collections by appointment.

  • Can I check out books from the Academy Library?

    Items from the Academy Library only circulate to Academy Staff for in-house use.

    California Academy of Sciences Members and California educators may check out items from the Naturalist Center.

    Visit the Naturalist Center for more information.

  • How do I contact a Librarian?

    Librarians are generally available during regular business hours (Monday-Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm).

    We can help you with questions, provide referrals, or schedule an appointment for you to visit the Library.

    You can contact the Library by

    Phone: (415) 379-5484

    Email: library@calacademy.org

     

    Or, you can contact us using the Chat Window below.

  • How do I look up a book?

    All of the Academy Library and Naturalist Center book, journal, and multimedia holdings are listed in the Academy Library catalog.

    Confused? Watch a tutorial on searching the Academy Library catalog.

    There are many ways to find items in the Academy Library catalog.

    Watch a short tutorial

  • How do I find journal articles?

    The Academy Library offers access to a variety of databases and indexes, both free and subscription services.  You must be on-site at the Academy to use the subscription databases.

    Browse our Indexes & Databases

  • I found what I want! How do I get it?

    First, look it up in the Catalog.

    If we don't own it, try the following:

    Academy Staff ONLY: Place an Interlibrary Loan request.

    If you do not have Academy Library borrowing privileges, try searching WorldCat.org to see if a library near you owns the item.

  • Can I reuse or publish your photographs or other materials?

    In most cases, the answer is yes.  Please see Scanning, Reproduction & Use for more information.

  • I can’t find any archival collections in the catalog. How do I search for those?

    As a rule, those collections are not listed in the Library catalog.  You can browse the list of manuscript holdings here

    Please contact the Archivist with any questions.

  • Can I volunteer at the Library?

    We periodically have volunteer opportunities for both short-term, project based and long-term assignments. 

    Please contact Volunteer Services if you are interested in becoming a Library volunteer.