Welcome back to another dive into California's local history!
If you've been following our blog on the CA Local Documents Digitization Project website, you know that the Institute of Governmental Studies Library (IGSL) is rapidly building a vast collection of unique and informative publications. We're proud to have already digitized materials from over 5,000 local governments across the state, creating an archive that's not just accessible but also versatile for research and exploration.
You can review the digitized documents on the California Local Government Documents Collection page, hosted by the Internet Archive.
Today, we're particularly excited to showcase a recent addition to this growing digital archive: an exhibition catalog from the Berkeley Art Center. This document, titled "A History of Berkeley," was produced for an exhibition held from April 4 to May 4, 1978. Digitized in 2024, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of this vibrant city. The catalog concisely traces Berkeley's history. It highlights the long-standing presence of the Costanoan Indians, followed by Spanish colonial influence and the establishment of vast ranchos. The document details how American settlement, the Gold Rush, and advancements in transportation technology (from water to streetcars and the Key System) shaped early development. It covers the founding of distinct communities like Ocean View and East Berkeley, the pivotal role of the University of California, and subsequent rapid urbanization. Key events like the 1906 earthquake's impact and post-World War II changes are noted, including demographic shifts, civil rights progress, and the significant social and political movements of the 1960s, such as the Free Speech Movement.