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The photo collections are one of the richest resources of the park archival holdings, and support many uses, both within the park and for outside research. The archive collects images in all photographic formats that document the layers of historical and environmental history of the lands, bays, esteros and the seascape within the park's boundaries. Thousands of photographs and negatives currently in the archives document the historic ranching era beginning with acquisition of vast Rancho lands of the Peninsula by brothers, Oscar and James Shafter in 1859. Images of maritime trade along the coast and the Point Reyes Lighthouse, Lifesaving and Lifeboat Stations, shipwrecks and operations of dairy and cattle ranches between 1868 and 1968 are in demand. The museum seek to acquire images from various areas in the park during different years to track change in the landscape over time. Photographs and slides just preceding and following the establishment of the National Seashore in 1962, including aerials, oblique aerials, potential wilderness areas and the administrative history of park activities, management, and structures are also collected. Peruse the photo galleries below for a sampling of some of the historic photographs that can be found in the park's archives. |
Last updated: August 27, 2021