Researchers Anonymous: Historic Santa Cruz Photographs at UCSC

Join Researchers Anonymous as they host special guest Kate Dundon of the McHenry Library at UCSC. Learn more about the project to put their vast collection of over 10,000 historic Santa Cruz area photographs online.

Kate will explain why this was done and the challenges of accomplishing this herculean task. She will also share tips on using the collection. This presentation is a must for anyone interested in local history. We are most fortunate that this wonderful collection is now available.

This collection of photographs spans more than 100 years of Santa Cruz city and county development and activity. The photographs document communities and towns, some now gone; businesses and stores; industries: logging, mining, farming, ranching; the natural surroundings: beaches, forests, rivers, creeks, lagoons; cultural events and entertainment: theater, exhibits, celebrations, parades; institutions: government, churches, schools, libraries; military displays and recreation: team sports, camping, and fishing; and means of transportation: railroads, streetcars, airplanes, automobiles, ships, and boats. It reveals the daily lives of Santa Cruz residents and where they lived, worked, played, and worshiped. The bulk of the photographs document the city of Santa Cruz, but there are many images of the North and South county as well. Other large portions include the Santa Cruz Boardwalk and Casino, and the nascent film industry in Santa Cruz including actors, directors, and film crews on location.

Browse the Collection Online >>

Please email lisaar00@gmail.com for the Zoom link.