Altman's papers include reports, corrrespondence, and miscellaneous printed material pertaining to his activities as a local historian and politician of Sacramento, with particular emphasis upon his tenure on the Historic Landmarks Commission (1956-1961).

Harold N. ("Hal") Altman (1909-) was born in New York City and lived in Sacramento, Calif. from 1950. A public relations consultant, he served on the City of Sacramento's Historic Landmarks Comission (1956-1961) during the time when that city's "Old Town" historic district development was planned. Altman was an active member and historian of the Congregation B'nai Israel of Sacramento. In 1960 he ran unsuccessfully for the Sacramento City Council.

Collection is open for research.