Our Research Library and Archive...
Contains historic documents, photographs, newspapers, manuscript collections, scrapbooks, maps, blueprints, monographs, building permits, and other governmental records. All of the collection holdings clearly illuminate Coronado's unique and exceptional place in American history. Thousands of photographic images, as well as audio and film recordings, bring to life the story of our village.
Scholars are able to fully utilize the Association's research facilities. The Museum's Research Library is furnished with rich wood paneling, large tables, lighting, and shelving, to assist scholars in their work, and to fulfill the Association's educational mission. The Archives, conserved in a state-of-the-art facility to insure its safety and viability for generations to come, allows for further collection and growth through daily acquisition and donations. Learn more about our Research Policy and Schedules.
 The Museum houses various city records including the original abstract of title between the United States and Archibald C. Peachy and William H. Aspinwall for the peninsula of Coronado dated June 11, 1869. Those fascinated with early Coronado history will also be interested in the Museum's collection of Coronado Beach Co. records, which include over 1500 original contracts of sale. The building permit collection contains over 10,000 documents related to the construction of dwellings in Coronado, all files are searchable by street address.
 Many Coronado citizens have donated their precious belongings to the Association over the years. Those who have given numerous items with a general theme have been cataloged as collections. These include family papers, correspondence, business transactions, and photographs. The Museum currently houses over 20 manuscript and photograph collections including the Whiley family papers, the Odiorne collection on the San Diego-Coronado Bridge construction, and the Harold Taylor photograph collection.
Many of our historic photographs are available for reproduction. Fee
schedule for historic photographs.
The Hotel del Coronado is the most recognizable structure in Coronado and the peninsula's history is closely intertwined with this national landmark. Tent City, which operated from 1900 to 1939 at the foot of the Hotel del Coronado, was a popular summer vacation resort for families from around the nation. The original construction ledger for the Hotel del Coronado, as well as hundreds of photographs, are all part of the archival collection. Tent City documents include correspondence, "Tent City News," photographs, programs, brochures, and postcards, all of which give the researcher a glimpse into Coronado's unique past.
 The United States government gained control of North Island in 1893 and Coronado's demographics were forever changed. The Museum's naval collection contains programs, correspondence, brochures, newsletters, USO records from the 1940s, uniforms, ephemera, and photographs. One of the earliest uses of North Island was for aviation experiments, the Archives houses numerous photographs documenting these first attempts at flight.
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