Welcome to The Society of California Pioneers

The Society of California Pioneers Museum will remain closed through the end of 2023 as we move out of the Presidio and into a new Pioneer Hall. Please contact us with any questions!

Visit Us

The Society maintains a rotating schedule of cross-disciplinary exhibitions focused on California art, history, and culture in Pioneer Hall at The Presidio. Learn more here about our operating hours, directions, parking, and accessibility when visiting our free museum.

Membership

Membership in The Society of California Pioneers is available to direct descendants of anyone in California prior to 1850. We also offer programs to everyone who would like to get involved and support the work we do. Find out more!

Research

The Society of California Pioneers’ archives document the founding and early history of California, including The Gold Rush, The Earthquake and Fire of 1906, and other defining events. Learn more about our research resources and services here.

The Society of California Pioneers

Established in 1850, The Society of California Pioneers is a not-for-profit museum, library and cultural organization dedicated to advancing the preservation, study and appreciation of early California history, culture, and art for the benefit of present and future audiences of all ages.

The Society of California Pioneers provides researchers and the public access to California's unique early history.

Funding has been provided by California Humanities and the National Endowment

Funding has been provided by California Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and by the Henry Mayo Newhall Foundation.