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The County of Riverside Board of Supervisors established the Robert J. Fitch County Archives to identify, preserve, describe and make available records of enduring value relevant to the government of the County of Riverside. Serving as both a repository for these unique documents and as a public resource center, the County Archives provides not only access to its collections, in accordance with applicable laws, but also assists with locating other archival government records in the possession of the various county departments and agencies.
The purpose of the Riverside County Archives program is to identify, collect, preserve, arrange, describe records of historical significance relevant to the County of Riverside and County government, and to educate the public as to their use. The Archives serves as both a repository for these unique documents and as a resource center open to County staff and to the public. Materials relating to the history of the County and surrounding areas of influence are also collected to assist with the interpretation of these records, and to place them in the context of the overall growth and development of Riverside County.
Acting upon the final report of the Riverside County Centennial Advisory Board, the Board of Supervisors established the Riverside County Archives Committee on December 20, 1994. Originally the Archives Committee was advisory to the Riverside County Historical Commission with staff support provided by the County Regional Park and Open-Space District.
On September 23, 1997 the Board of Supervisors elevated the Riverside County Archives Committee to full commission status, creating the Riverside County Archives Commission. The Board directed that, "it shall be the duty of the Commission to advise and make recommendations to the Riverside County Board of Supervisors concerning the development of the County Archives, the preservation of County historical records, documents and objects."
Staff support is provided by the Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder Department.
The County of Riverside Robert J. Fitch Archives shall identify, collect, preserve, and make available the County’s documentary heritage of records of permanent value. In order to accomplish these tasks, the County Archives shall follow generally accepted standards of archival practice. The County departments work with the County Archives as applicable to develop procedures that balance the need to preserve records of permanent value with continuing department business needs for access to them.
The Archives Commission recognizes that, according to the decision of the County Board of Supervisors, "it shall be the duty of the Commission to advise and make recommendations to the Riverside County Board of Supervisors concerning the development of the County Archives, the preservation of County historical records, documents, and objects." To carry out this mission, the goal of the Archives Commission is to work with the Riverside County Assessor-Clerk-Recorder and all County staff associated with the Archives, to make sure that appropriate materials are preserved in the Archives, and that those collections are accessible to the public. The Commission is also dedicated to informing the public about the existence and usefulness of the Archives.
Open to the public, the County of Riverside Robert J. Fitch Archives serves a broad range of interests and users, including: County staff, independent researchers, students, historians, and writers. Those seeking to research historical property ownership and valuation, mining or water interests, or actions taken by the Board of Supervisors beginning in 1893 will find original documents in the Archives to assist them. Primary resource materials from other County Departments will be added in the future. Please contact the County Archives for further information.
The Robert J. Fitch Archives for the County of Riverside, California encourages you to preserve your family memorabilia, newspaper clippings, photos, etc. Here are seven tips to ensure proper care and management of your historic keepsakes:
1.) The best way to protect your photographs
2.) Avoid heavy moisture areas
The County Archives are available by appointment only from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, Tuesday – Thursday (Except County Holidays). Please contact the Archives to schedule a time to view the County records by emailing:
CountyofRiversideArchives@asrclkrec.com or
Call at (951) 486-7327.
Working to Preserve Riverside County Recorded History -
Ensuring a Link Between Past, Present, and Future Generations.