Pandemic Information

Research and Archives is available by appointment, by phone and by email. Please continue reaching out to us with your questions and we will respond as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience and support.

What’s your story?

Have a question about local history? Our Research and Archives collection may be just the place to look for answers! Explore magazines, maps, newspapers, oral histories, photographs, yearbooks, scrapbooks, telephone books, reference books and more.

What We Have In Our Collection

Research and Archives holds archival material related to the Hayward area (Hayward, Castro Valley, San Lorenzo, Fairview, Ashland and Cherryland) as well as some information on the broader Bay Region and California. Types of materials include: business records, magazines, maps, newspapers, records from local organizations, personal papers, photographs, school yearbooks, scrapbooks, telephone books, city directories, general history and reference books, pamphlet files and some oral histories.

What We Don’t Have

Research and Archives does not have birth, marriage or death certificates, obituaries, census records or detailed information related to Fairmont Hospital burials at the San Lorenzo Pioneer Cemetery. If you are unsure whether we can help, please contact us.

On-site Research

To get the most out of your visit to us, it is best to set up an appointment. This can be done by calling (510) 581-0223 or emailing archives@haywardareahistory.org.

How to Place a Research Request

If you cannot visit us, please send a written request via email or regular mail to the attention of: Archivist. Research requests are typically answered within two to three weeks. The time needed varies depending on the question(s) asked.

Fees

There is no charge for visiting Research & Archives or for an Archivist answering quick questions. Donations are always welcome and help us care for the collection and continue to provide our services free of charge.

Image Reproduction

HAHS does charge fees for image reproduction and publication.

To order, first search our Online Catalog to see what images are available.

Second, use our image order form to place an order. The archivist will follow up with you as soon as possible.

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Call (510) 581-0223 or email archives@haywardareahistory.org for more information.

Donations

Interested in donating something to the Archive Collection? We're always interested in collecting more local history. Please contact an Archivist to discuss your potential donation.

For questions or to schedule an appointment, please call (510) 581-0223 or email archives@haywardareahistory.org.

A Few Highlights From Our Collection

Oakland Tribune Clippings Files
(roughly 1922-1996)

Daily Review clippings
(roughly 1956-2000)

Hayward Journal newspaper
(1878-1903, 1929-1950)

Haypress newspaper
(Hayward Union High School)
(1926-1981)

Congressman Pete Stark’s papers spanning a 40 year congressional career
(1973-2012)

City of Hayward account ledgers and assessment records
(1876-1949)

San Lorenzo Pioneer Cemetery records

Hayward Poultry Producers Association records
(1920s-1940s)

Farm Bureau Annual Reports for Alameda County
(1919-1952)

Alameda County School Directories
(1916-1963)

Over 20,000 photographs of the Hayward area