The Cooper Ornithological Society Records, 1874-1994, document the organization's history from its origins as a small association of naturalists to its current status as a renowned scientific society with extensive international membership. The bulk of the collection consists of correspondence and administrative records produced by the Board of Directors and COS Officers. Also prevalent are committee minutes, annual meeting materials, and individual member correspondence and field notes. Materials relating to the official publications of the society, including The Condor and Studies in Avian Biology, are also included.

The Cooper Ornithological Club (COC), the forerunner of the present Cooper Ornithological Society, was formed on June 22, 1893 in San Jose by four active birders and oologists in order to provide a forum in which to study and discuss birds with like-minded, well-informed enthusiasts. In December 1934 the Club became incorporated, and in May 1952, the Club changed its name to the Cooper Ornithological Society, with the principal intent of better conveying the club's academic and scientific orientation. The Society currently numbers over 3000 professional and amateur ornithologists from around the world. The primary goal of the Society, as expressed through its meetings, sponsorship of symposia, and publications, is to advance the scientific study of birds and their habitats, and support their conservation. 1890 Unaffiliated forerunner to the Cooper Ornithological Club, also named after James Cooper, is founded at the College of the Pacific in Santa Clara, California. 1893 Cooper Ornithological Club is founded on June 22 in San Jose, California.   Future Southern Division of the COC is founded separately in Los Angeles, as the Southern California Natural History Society. 1894 Cooper member H.R. Taylor publishes The Nidiologist (later renamed The Nidologist), the first unofficial publication dedicated to providing coverage of the COC.   Southern California Natural History Society merges with the Santa Clara COC chapter, giving rise to the Southern Division of the COC. 1895 First annual COC outing is held in Arroyo Seco, California. 1896 First formal mention of Northern and Southern Divisions occurs in The Nidologist. 1897 The Nidologist ceases to publish. A column edited by COC member Donald Cohen appearing in the unaffiliated journal The Osprey becomes the new mouthpiece of the Club. 1899 Club begins to publish Bulletin of the Cooper Ornithological Club. 1900 Bulletin of the Cooper Ornithological Club changes name to The Condor.   Club begins to publish Pacific Coast Avifauna, a series intended to provide a forum for longer submissions, as well as transcripts of symposia proceedings. 1921 Board of Governors is formed. 1926 First annual meeting of entire COC (North and South) is held in Los Angeles. 1934 Cooper Ornithological Club becomes incorporated. 1952 Name of the organization is changed at the annual business meeting to Cooper Ornithological Society. 1965 Editorial office of The Condor leaves California for Lawrence, Kansas. 1970 Cooper Ornithological Society and Wilson Ornithological Society hold first joint annual meeting. 1974 Pacific Coast Avifauna halts publication. 1976 Northern and Southern Divisions are abolished. 1978 Series in Avian Biology, a new COS publication, assumes the role previously held by Pacific Coast Avifauna.

19 linear feet (13 cartons, 1 oversize box, 2 boxes, and 8 volumes)

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Collection is open for research.