The Society of California Pioneers was established in 1850 to advance the knowledge and appreciation of early California history, art, and culture. Located on the Presidio of San Francisco, our nonprofit organization maintains a large collection of art and artifacts, operates a research library, and offers free museum exhibitions and educational programs.
Primary sources in our archives document the founding and early history of the state of California, including the discovery of gold and other defining events. The collection includes manuscripts and diaries, paintings, prints and drawings, photographs, books, maps, newspapers and journals, the business ledgers of mining and transportation companies, as well as historic artifacts and decorative arts.
The Eureka! Project uses primary sources from our archives to teach kindergarten through sixth grade students California history. Interactive features introduce key concepts defined by the History and Social Studies Curriculum Standards for California Public Schools. The Eureka! Project is designed to foster initiative and self-directed learning, critical thinking and creativity, as well as the ability to challenge assumptions and reach informed conclusions.