There is an art to the process of telling your family’s history. There are so many details to research: names, dates, places, circumstances. Like crafting a tapestry, we insert the plain facts of our ancestors’ existence while taking care to blend in the color and texture that can only be found when we go beyond researching census records and certificates. By examining two case studies, we will see how the use of other resources—from public reports in newspapers to the more private and intimate accounts of letters, diaries, and oral histories—will enable us to find the threads of our ancestors’ story lines and weave them together into a compelling account of their lives.

Free Event! Stop by the Root Cellar display and say hello!

Every October, in celebration of National Archives Month, archives and special collections libraries from throughout the region open their doors to the public and showcase their rarely seen holdings during the Sacramento Archives Crawl. The Crawl is held at four host institution sites in downtown Sacramento: the California State Archives, California State Library, Center for Sacramento History, and Sacramento Room at the Sacramento Public Library. Free bus transportation is provided between all four locations.

At the host sites, the public can view archival collections on display and take behind-the-scenes tours. Representatives from other archives and special collections libraries will also be present at the host locations to display their archival collections, including historic photographs, documents, and objects, and to answer questions about connecting with local history resources.

Archives Crawl Passports are given to guests as they visit the host institutions. The passport provides a map of the event and information about the participating institutions. Get your passport stamped at three of the four host sites, and you'll receive a set of limited-edition commemorative coasters featuring archival images that represent that year's theme.