Interested in learning more about a historic home or commercial building in Santa Clara County? The following resources are available at the Research Library.

City Directories, 1870 – 1979
These directories list the names of individuals living in Santa Clara County along with their place of residence and occupation. In 1914, a street address index was added which enables you to track owners over time.

Photograph Catalog, 1857 – 1970s
The subject catalog entries list buildings, businesses, and street scenes. Reproductions of photographs are available for a fee.

Aerial Photographs, 1931 – 1970s
An index to the collection is available.

Map Catalog, 1787 – present (bulk dates: 1876 – present)
Card catalog entries for these maps are listed by street name and/or subdivision. Several are listed by property owner.

Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps, 1884 – 1968 for City of San José and the City of Santa Clara
Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps show in great detail lots, houses, and businesses. They also indicate when new buildings appeared and when modifications were made. Microfilm and hardcopies are available.

Index to Building Permits, 1895 – 1910, 1910 – 1930 for the City of San José
The index to building permits is listed by street address, date issued, permit number, owner, description of work, and property value.

Building Permits, 1930’s to 1940’s for the City of San José
Original permits issued by the City of San José, organized under street name.  The permits include information concerning the building, property value, and the owner.

Tax Assessor Ledgers, Approximately 1850 – 1900
The majority of the collection is from the City of San José with a limited number from Santa Clara County. Ledgers are listed under the name of the property owner, and give a description of the property, taxes, and property value.

Tax Assessor Worksheets and Photographs, Mid-20th Century
The worksheets are organized by street address and provide information on property improvement, appraisal, and include a photograph of the building site. Tax Assessor photographs, without worksheets for buildings in the City of San José are listed by street name.

Probate Records, 1850 – 1899 for Santa Clara County
Original documents of legal proceedings following the death of an individual that includes a description of the property of the deceased. The card file is organized by the name of the deceased.

Deeds, 1850 – 1952 (bulk dates: 1850 – 1906) for Santa Clara County
Original documents for property ownership. The card file is arranged by both grantee and grantor.

Local Historical Surveys and Reports
Available for a limited number of historically significant buildings, structures, and sites.

Photo-documentaries
Available for buildings and various sites, includes historical background, description, evaluation for significance, and color photographs.

Visual Inventory Forms
Visual inventories of historical and archaeological sites, includes descriptions, significance, and photographs.

Archeological Resource Reports
Descriptions and evaluations of historic and prehistoric archeological investigation reports for various sites with photographs.

Architectural Reports
Architectural reports for a variety of planning projects with photographs and descriptions of architectural design.

Cultural Resource Surveys
Cultural resource assessments for various development projects for Santa Clara County, includes project descriptions, historical overviews, surveys of existing buildings, and environmental impact reports.

Historical Resource Inventory Forms
California Historical Resource Inventory forms that document important information about properties of historical interest, includes description of property, sketch maps, significance, photographs, and more.