Welcome to the Conference of California Historical Societies*!

*Established at the College of the Pacific (Stockton, CA) in 1954, this year (2024) is the 70th Anniversary of CCHS. Click on the ABOUT tab above for further information.

Preserving California History by unifying and strengthening Historical Organizations throughout the State.

*News*

Thanks to University of the Pacific History Department for hosting the December 3, 2024 CCHS 70th Anniversary Luncheon. The Luncheon was planned by Jennifer Helgren, past History Department Chair and Kris Payne, past President of CCHS. The small luncheon of 30 was attended by UOP and CCHS participants (17) from the Sacramento-Stockton-East Bay Area. During the Luncheon, a few selected speakers presented celebratory comments about the long standing relationships originating at the College of the Pacific in 1954. Philip Merlo, Executive Directory of the San Joaquin County Historical Museum was the key note speaker on the history of Stockton. A special Certificate of Recognition was received by CCHS from State Senator Marie Alvarado-Gill, presented by Todd White of the Senator's staff.

After the Luncheon, Mike Wurtz, UOP Head of the Holt-Atherton Department of Special Collections and Archives gave a thorough and very enjoyable tour for those interested of the John Muir Collection and the CCHS Archives. Special thanks to Mike for sharing his favorite historical books and papers with the much appreciated, select CCHS group of 10.

*Members and Visitors - With over 1000 followers, go to the CCHS Facebook Page for the latest up-to-date, social-media news. Post your local information as it reaches out throughout California. 

CONGRATULATIONS El Dorado Gold 1848, non-profit on having received for its US Post Office - Main Street Branch, Placerville, El Dorado County the National Register of Historic Places designation*. 

We are honored to recognize your achievement and state that this organization respects and supports the efforts of El Dorado Gold 1848 Board of Directors, the applicant, over the last 3-1/2 years and with many, many hours of effort leading to this success. And with special Kudos going to Nancy Kam in support of the application.

*The importance of this designation cannot be overstated.

**The CCHS office is located in the El Dorado Gold 1848 building at the corner of Bedford Ave. and Main St. in Placerville CA 95667. Office hours are by reservation. See below in the Home page footer for contact information.**

SUPPORT OUR CALIFORNIA KIDS!

National History Day - CA State Finals 2025

Theme - Rights and Responsibilities in History

National History Day in California is a co-curricular program for students in grades 4 - 12 in all educational settings. Students engage in historical inquiry and analysis on a topic of their choice. Categories: Documentary, Exhibit, Historical Paper, Performance, Podcast, Poster, and Website. Divisions: Elementary (4th-5th grades), Junior (6th-8th grades), and Senior (9th-12th grades). Individuals and Groups (2-5 students).

https://www.nhdca.org/

Thanks to Barbara Kimbell, Al Minard and David Ballard for representing CCHS and for judging the 2023-2024 California National History Day Competition. CCHS provided 4 - $100 Special Awards for the State winners.

Please visit our City-County Highlights page to take a virtual tour of California, with a different city highlighted each month!

 
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The Conference of California Historical Societies was formed in 1954 as a means to bring together the many historical societies and museums throughout the State to share their common needs and expertise, and to bind them together in the interest of history in California.  Members have endeavored to find the ways of helping and informing each other of the problems that often can be better solved by group efforts - we learn from each other! Click the ABOUT tab on the upper navigation bar for additional information about CCHS.