Research Library

Open and free 5 days a week! NCHS fosters a community of researchers to promote and expand the study of local history. Our Research Library houses books, city directories, original manuscripts, thousands of old photographs, newspaper clippings, maps, and documents pertaining to the people and history of Napa County.

Get Started

Beginning a research project can be a daunting task. Here are some tips for conducting local history research, including books, online databases, and genealogy as well as some local history institutions that can further assist your inquiries. 

Thousands of Assets

Search the Catalog

Discover thousands of historic photographs, manuscripts, scrapbooks, maps, blueprints, books, and ephemera on Napa County history in our online catalog.

Catalog

Research Assistance

If you would like to ask a question by email or phone, we can answer questions requiring brief research into our collection free of charge. If you wish to ask us to aid you in a research project or conduct more extensive research, we are happy to help but an hourly or project-based fee is charged.

Archival Collections

Check out some of these finding aids of special collections in the NCHS archives. Special collections may be viewed by appointment.

Other Resources

Publications

Napa County Historical Society produces several publications on Napa County history. Most of our publications are free to members and available for purchase.

Publications

HRIs

A Historic Resources Inventory (HRI) is a listing of structures or sites that contribute to the history or character of a region. Get started with the Napa County HRI forms.

HRIs

Local History

Everyone knows about our passion for good wine, but there is so much more to our beautiful valley. Our Local History page has articles and timelines to discover our once-hidden history.

Local History