The Frank S. Christy collection comprises subject files accumulated by local historian Frank S. Christy on a wide variety of topics relating to the history of Sacramento from the 1850s through the 1980s, in addition to a small group of photographs, essays, and other items created by Christy himself. Formats include over 3,500 photographic prints and negatives, pamphlets, newspaper clippings, brochures, scrapbooks, and programs. The bulk of the files consist of photographs and printed ephemera. Files significantly document the Capitol; churches and religious denominations; businesses, residences, and streets; significant individuals, including politicians, business owners, and historians; organizations, including the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Native Sons of the Golden West (NSGW), and Sacramento Historic Landmarks Commission; railroads; rivers; schools; and State Fairs.

Historian Frank S. Christy (1918-1995) was a long-time Sacramento resident and leader of many historical organizations in the area who also wrote extensively on local history, including books on the Odd Fellows in California and the Native Sons of the Golden West. He received two commendations from the Sacramento City Council for his interest in history. In 1954, he was elected president of the newly formed Sacramento Historic Landmarks Commission, the forerunner of the Museum and History Commission. He was hired as the Sacramento City Council's first historical consultant in 1963 to gather information about buildings and sites in what became Old Sacramento. He was also co-founder and life member of the Sacramento Historical Society and served as its president in 1965, and was seven times grand historian for the Native Sons of the Golden West.

17.75 linear feet (17 boxes)

All requests to publish or quote from private collections held by the Center for Sacramento History (CSH) must be submitted in writing to csh@cityofsacramento.org. Permission for publication is given on behalf of CSH as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the patron. No permission is necessary to publish or quote from public records.

Collection is open for research use.