Digital Collections

Sonoma County is fortunate to have a growing number of digital research resources that make local history widely accessible. These collections support historical, genealogical, and academic research by providing online access to photographs, documents, indexes, and archival materials from across the county.

Sonoma County Archives

The Sonoma County Archives preserves and provides access to official county records of enduring historical value. These materials document government functions, land use, infrastructure, legal matters, and civic life. Researchers can explore finding aids and selected digitized records, with additional materials available by appointment.
View the Archives

Heritage Collection Photo Archive

The Heritage Collection Photo Archive offers thousands of digitized historical photographs documenting Sonoma County’s people, landscapes, communities, and built environment. Images span the nineteenth century through the modern era and include towns, agriculture, industry, events, and daily life. The collection is continually expanding and is searchable by keyword, location, and subject.
Explore the Collection

Sonoma County History & Genealogy Library

The Sonoma County History & Genealogy Library supports in-depth research into local and family history. Its digital and on-site resources include maps, city directories, newspapers, vertical files, and specialized reference materials. The library serves genealogists, historians, students, and anyone researching Sonoma County’s past.
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Sonoma County History Index

The Sonoma County History Index is a searchable database pointing researchers to articles, publications, and historical references related to Sonoma County. It serves as a valuable starting point for locating information across books, journals, newspapers, and other local history sources.
Search the Index

Sonoma Historian Index

The cumulative index to the Sonoma County Historical Society’s Sonoma Historian (2002-present), and its predecessor, The Journal (1962-2001). This index incorporates an index maintained by the Sonoma State University Library Special Collections department for the Historical Society supplemented by entries in the Library’s Local History Index.
Search the Index

Petaluma History Room

The Petaluma History Room offers resources focused on the history of Petaluma and southern Sonoma County. Its collections include photographs, maps, newspapers, city directories, manuscripts, and local history files that support research into community development, families, businesses, and regional life over time.
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Sonoma County Wine Library

The Sonoma County Wine Library provides access to materials documenting the history, science, and cultural impact of winemaking in Sonoma County. Its collections include books, archives, photographs, and other material that reflect the region’s long-standing and evolving wine industry.
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