City of San Jose Municipal Archives
Finding aid created by History San Jose Research Library staff using RecordEXPRESS
History San Jose Research Library
2023
1661 Senter Road
San Jose, California 95112
(408) 287-2290
research@historysanjose.org
http://www.historysanjose.org/
Title: City of San Jose Municipal Archives
Dates: 1860-1990
Collection Number: 1991-250
Creator/Collector:
San Jose (Calif.). City Clerk
Extent: 115 linear feet (115 banker boxes)
Repository:
History San Jose Research Library
San Jose, California 95112
Abstract: City of San Jose records ranging from mid-1800s to 1980s, with the majority dating to the mid-20th century.
Language of Material: English
Open to the public by appointment.
Contact the History San Jose Research Library & Archives for publication and reproduction information.
[Identification of item]. City of San Jose Municipal Archives. Collection Number: 1991-250. History San Jose Research Library
Most of these records appear to have been transferred to the San Jose Historical Museum from City Hall in the 1980s, and some
were transferred from Mayor Tom McEnery's office in 1991. Some of the records were collected by staff, such as the later Historical
Landmarks Commission records. The San Jose Historical Museum was originally operated by the City of San Jose, under the Parks
and Recreation Department. Up until 1998, when the SJHM became a non-profit organization separate from the City of San Jose,
many municipal records were transferred to the museum for storage, and as part of a records management initiative in the 1980s.
The records were stored in different warehouses and locations over the years, and were not completely inventoried until the
2010s.
Scope and Content of Collection
City of San Jose records ranging from mid-1800s to 1980s, with the majority dating to the mid-20th century. They appear to
be a selection of records originally stored at City Hall, not necessarily comprehensive, and include City Clerk records dating
to the 1860s; Mayor Tom McEnery papers; and the following departments: Historic Landmarks Commission, Civil Service, San Jose
Water Company, Streets, Police and Fire Departments, Department of Health, Public Works and Utilities, Planning and Redevelopment,
and Finance.
Municipal archives
San Jose (Calif.)