Order copies of many genealogical records
online
Workshops Schedule
- See our 2008 Genealogy Workshops
Services for the Public
Genealogy Research
The San Bruno facility has extensive microfilm holdings of value for genealogy research, among them:
- Federal population censuses for all States, 1790-1930
- Indexes for the 1880, 1900, 1910, and 1920 censuses (indexes are not available for all census years and all states)
- Censuses listing residents of American Samoa and Native Americans in California and Nevada
- Records documenting the removal of Cherokees and other tribes included in the "Oklahoma Removal," ca. 1900
- Passenger arrival records for the port of San Francisco, 1893-1957
- Indexes to naturalization records from Federal courts in Honolulu, Reno (NV), and San Francisco
- Maritime records for San Francisco and other ports
- Revolutionary war military service records
- Early pension and bounty land warrant applications
Self-service microfilm readers and reader-printers are available without appointment. A 2-hour limit is imposed when researchers are waiting.
Additional help:
NARA's Online Microfilm Catalog, which allows researchers to determine the microfilm publications held by the San Bruno facility.
Chinese Immigration and Chinese in the United States: Records in the Regional Archives of the National Archives and Records Administration, RIP 99, 1996. Selected information pertains to records at the San Francisco facility.
The Genealogy Page, for additional general information about NARA's genealogical resources.
Genealogy Links from the Archives Library and Information Center, with links for how to do genealogical research, genealogy resources around the world, and databases of family trees.
Genealogical Resources on the World Wide Web , for links to non NARA genealogical web sites.
E-mail your inquiry.
Call the San Bruno facility at 650-238-3501.
Historical Research
Original records
NARA's Pacific Region (San Francisco) has more than 48,000 cubic feet of archival holdings dating from 1850 to the 1980s, including textual documents, photographs, maps, and architectural drawings. These archival holdings were created or received by the Federal courts and more than 100 Federal agencies in northern California, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada (except Clark County), American Samoa, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. Federal law requires that agencies transfer permanently valuable, noncurrent records to NARA.
Among the subjects covered are Chinese exclusion and immigration, the development of Pearl Harbor and mainland coastal fortifications, former World War II defense sites, public land use, national forests, migrant labor camps, and tribal history.
The archival holdings are arranged by record group (abbreviated RG), a body of records from an agency or bureau identified by an RG number. Selected finding aids, including a comprehensive guide to archival holdings, are available by mail and online. Research can be initiated in person, or by telephone, mail, or e-mail. Individuals who wish to use archival holdings on-site will facilitate their research by calling before visiting. If the number of researchers exceeds research room capacity, those with appointments will receive priority.
Before using archival holdings, every researcher must obtain a researcher identification card. An applicant must show identification that includes a photograph, such as a driver's license, school or business identification card, or passport, and complete a short form giving name, address, telephone number, and brief description of the research topic. A researcher ID card, valid for 3 years and renewable, is then issued. It must be presented during each research visit.
Microfilmed records
In addition to unique original records, the San Bruno facility has extensive holdings of National Archives microfilm publications. These publications reproduce basic documentation for the study of history, economics, public administration, political science, law, ethnology, genealogy, and other subjects. Included are records relating to U.S. diplomacy, the Revolutionary War, the Civil War and Reconstruction, Native American-Government relations, westward expansion, Asian immigration, and World War II.
Self-service microfilm readers and reader-printers are available without appointment. A 2-hour limit is imposed when researchers are waiting.
Bankruptcy Case Files
The San Bruno facility has bankruptcy and other case files from Federal courts in northern California, Nevada (except Clark County), and Hawaii. Read more about accessing these records.
Photocopying
Self service copying is available but limited based on the physical condition of the documents. The staff will make or arrange for copies of documents, including certified copies for legal use, unless the physical condition of the documents does not allow reproduction. Copies of microfilm can be made at self-service copiers or by other arrangement. There is a fee for all copies.
Public Programs
Public programs include workshops on genealogy, research in archives, and teaching history using archival documents; tours of the facility; student internships; exhibits; and lectures. Groups and classes can be accommodated by special arrangement.
Research Workshops
Currently Scheduled On-Site NARA San Bruno Genealogical Workshops (taught by Rose Mary Kennedy, $15 for public, Free to Volunteers):
- Census Records Research--September 23, Friday, 9:00 A.M. to 1:00P.M.
