Heritage Room Resources &
Collection
The collections of the Archives are as diverse as the history
of California itself. The primary collections focus upon themes,
events, and individuals who contributed to the ongoing history of
Redlands and Southern California:
The Archives is
open to the public and seeks to serve a variety of interests:
Researchers, Students, Writers & the Casual Visitor.
Although walk-ins are welcome, specialized researchers may find their needs better met by calling (909) 798-7632 for an appointment with an archivist.
Books
California Collection, Rare Books, and Autograph Collection
There are thousands of books in the California
Collection. The collection covers a wide range of subjects
dealing with the history of Redlands, San Bernardino County, California
and the West. There are separate collections which house rare
books and autographed books.
Carnegie Indian Collection
This collection began in 1910 by a gift from industrialist and
philanthropist Andrew Carnegie to honor his friend Albert K. Smiley,
and includes rare and selected volumes primarily on the Indians of
California and the Southwest.
Pamphlets
The pamphlet and ephemera collection contains catalogued items
relating to Redlands, San Bernardino County, and California. The
material ranges from the 1860's to the present.
Maps
The map collection focuses upon California, San Bernardino,
and
the Redlands area. The maps date from as early as the 1850's to
recent topographic maps.
Newspapers
The newspaper collection is one of the largest of local and
regional newspapers in Southern California. The Citrograph, which
was an important weekly published in Southern California has been
indexed from 1887-1896.
Manuscripts
The California manuscript collection consists of thousands of
pieces organized in dozens of collections. Subjects include
Redlands and San Bernardino County, as well as Southern California
deserts, mountains, water development, and citrus.
Oral Histories
Over 100 oral histories of individual community members
document their lives and experiences. Researchers utilize both
audio tapes and transcripts to add another dimension to understanding
Redlands history. (Two major projects are "Citrus & Service"
and "Citrus, Labor, and Community in East San Bernardino Valley")
California Periodicals
Early California magazines to contemporary publications as
well as historical society quarterlies are available.
Photographs
The photograph collection affords the researcher a variety of
subjects, relating to the history and development of Redlands, as well
as the rest of California.
Major Collections
- A.K. Smiley Family Collection
- Gerald A. Smith Indian Collection
- Nordhoff - Morrison - Stillman Collection
- Citrus Industry Collection
Old City Hall
is the Future Home of the
Redlands Historical Museum
The Redlands Historical Museum
Association works together with the A.K. Smiley Public Library Heritage
Room to accession, catalog and store donated items. Please contact
Nathan Gonzales at the Heritage Room, 798-7632, to make inquiry and
give details on the potential donation. Arrangements can be made
for pick-up of items.
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