A useful local-history question often leads to more than one collection. These resources offer starting points for finding photographs, written records, maps, and historical context. Check the institution’s own page for current access details and reuse conditions.
Sunnyvale Public Library
Explore the Library’s local-history resources for links to photographs, historical newspapers, and community oral histories. Start here when you are still deciding which type of record could answer your question.
Sunnyvale Digital Archive
The Sunnyvale Digital Archive is maintained by Sunnyvale Public Library and includes images contributed by the Library, the California History Center, and the Sunnyvale Historical Society. Read the catalogue description and retain the item identifier with your research notes.
Sunnyvale Heritage Park Museum
Visit the Sunnyvale Heritage Park Museum website for the museum’s historical subjects, collection context, and current visitor information. Its pages offer useful entry points into orchard, downtown, and industrial history.
Santa Clara County Archives
The County Archives resource guide identifies archives and related record holders. It is especially helpful when a question extends beyond one collection or when you need to determine which office may hold a particular kind of record.
Maps at the Library of Congress
Use the Sanborn Maps collection to look for fire-insurance maps covering your area and period. Consult the accompanying guides before interpreting symbols, colors, and revisions; a map’s intended purpose shapes what it records.
Historical newspapers
The California Digital Newspaper Collection provides another avenue for newspaper research. The Library of Congress historical company research guide can help you think about newspapers as sources for businesses and commercial life.
Keep your findings traceable
Save the source title, date, institution, item or page number, and stable link. Keep a separate note for your interpretation. For a practical starting method, read How to Research Your Sunnyvale Neighborhood’s History.
External resources are provided for further reading. Their inclusion does not imply affiliation with or endorsement of Sunnyvale History.