The Berkeley Historical Society & Museum collects and maintains documentary materials in many formats—written records, books and periodicals, newspapers, visual materials, maps, physical objects—all of which provide insights into many facets of the history of the city of Berkeley. Our collections include city government materials, school histories and documents (including many photographs), views of street scenes and buildings, political history, and records of some social groups and businesses.

Although we have many photographs of individual houses and other buildings, we do not collect heavily in that area, which is the province of the Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association. Nor do we actively collect material specific to UC Berkeley, deferring to University Archives and its extensive holdings in the Bancroft Library.

Donations to the collection are welcomed!