Welcome to our Online Collections Database!
This database contains catalog records for items in our collection. The database is a work in progress but the vast majority of archival documents and photos are listed as well as all library books. Only a few museum objects are included here as a sampling of our collection. Please note that we do not currently offer many digitized records and photos directly online, though you can request digital scans for a fee within the bounds of copyright law. These records merely indicate what we have to offer in our collection. Most of the photos you see are low quality images there to assist you in determining if the item is relevant to your research. Outside of a request for scans, these items must be viewed physically in our library and archive. If you find items you are interested in seeing and are planning your visit to the historical society, we encourage you to email the archives ahead of time at skeenan@lchsociety.org with a list of the items you would like to see so wee can have them ready for your arrival. However, this is not required. An archivist will also be there to help find and retrieve sources for you and assist your research.
Tips for Searching
Keyword Search
The Keyword Search button allows you to perform a general search across multiple fields for any catalog records online. Keyword searches use OR as the default connector between words (e.g. a search for Hanley Ranch will return records associated with Hanley OR Ranch). If you want to find records where both keywords are found, type in AND between the two words. To search for a specific phrase, be sure to put the phrase within quotes (e.g. "Rocky Pine Ranch"). You can also use the asterisk (*) as a wildcard (e.g. a search for histor* would come up with records containing history, histories, historical, etc.). Searches are not case sensitive.
Advanced Search
The Advanced Search button can help you be more specific with your search. You can search for a word or phrase within a particular search category or use multiple categories to further narrow down your search results. For example, searching White in the People field will bring up any records associated with a member of the White family, without having to sift through black & white photographs. You can also search People and Creator records through Advanced Search. Phrase searching with quotes and use of wildcards (*) are available in Advanced Search.
Random Images
The Random Images button is a great way to just browse the collection. Each Random Images page displays a random assortment of images from the records online. If something piques your interest, click the thumbnail to view a larger version of the image.
Catalog Searches (Archives / Photos / Libraries / Objects)
The catalog buttons can also help narrow down your search, by only searching with a selected catalog. If you only want to search for Photos, click the Photos button and type in your keyword(s) or phrase. You can also browse records within that catalog without performing a search. Phrase searching, wildcards (*) as well as AND/OR statements are available when performing catalog searches.