The Jeff Norman Collection includes materials written and/or compiled by Jeff Norman (September 19, 1951 – October 31, 2007). The items in this collection include: articles, correspondence, electronic files, lectures, newspapers, pamphlets, photographs, registers, reports, research notes, maps and pamphlets.

Jeff Norman (September 19, 1951 – October 31, 2007) was born in Oakland, CA and moved to Pebble Beach in 1962 with his parents, Don and Kathy Norman. He graduated from Pacific Grove High School and University of California, Santa Cruz. At the age of 14, Norman discovered a fern unknown in Monterey County, starting his career as a biologist and cultural historian. He worked for US Forest Service, California State Parks, University of California, Santa Cruz, Big Sur Natural History Association, Esalen Institute, Monterey County Planning and Building Inspection Department, and others. He was an active member of the California Native Plant Society and a consultant for the Big Sur Land Trust and the Monterey Pine Forest Watch. For 28 years, Norman lived in what was considered to be the region’s most interesting pioneer home, Alta Vista, where he wrote most of his books. He contributed to Donald Clark’s Monterey County Place Names (1991) and coauthored Big Sur Observed (1994) with Kip Stewart. In 2004, he coauthored with the Big Sur Historical Society, Images of America: Big Sur, a book tracing the history of the coast with more than 200 photographs. In his lifetime, Jeff Norman made tremendous contributions to the history of Big Sur by chronicling its past and preserving its natural and cultural history. He died at the age of 56.

25 boxes (1 document case; 1 flatbox; 5 binder boxes; 5 CD boxes; 12 record boxes); 29.3 linear ft.

Reproduction by Local History Librarian or other designated staff; may be restricted due to condition of the materials

By appointment only; Contact Local History Librarian or designated staff.