California State Archives

When the California State Archives received the Kennedy assassination investigation records in August 1987, it was apparent that the records would require special treatment. In examining the material, one is immediately struck by both the magnitude of the investigation and the size and types of records generated by it. Among the 50,000 pages created by Special Unit Senator (SUS) may be found a card index of over 8,200 entries, over 4,800 interviews, nearly 2,900 photographs, 155 items of physical evidence, and a bewildering number and variety of audio and videotapes. In all, the investigation consumed over 6,400 personnel hours during a thirteen-month period and cost in excess of $289,000.

The photographic collection of the California State Archives constitutes a rich and varied source of information about the history of California state government and of the state as a whole. While portions of the collection have been used extensively, most of it remains largely untapped. This is due in part to the fact that descriptive information about photographs, which most often are an integral part of much larger groups of documentary records, is not easily accessed. If one is not familiar with the structure and functions of state government, knowing where to start looking for photographs of railroads, for instance, can be somewhat overwhelming. Also lacking is much in the way of cataloging of collections by subject which would allow researchers to locate the specific images they seek.