Welcome to our Online Collections Database!
The ICHS Pioneers' Museum archives has thousands of records available for research online and is continually updating this website with additional records. Reproduction prints are available for purchase and other reproduction uses may be permitted with permission, at the discretion of the historical society.
To order a historic print or request reproduction use, please email archivist@pioneersmuseum.net for more information.
Featured Collections
Here are two of our many collections available for research at the Imperial County Historical Society Pioneers’ Museum archives
The Leo Hetzel Photograph Collection contains a total of 6,229 photographs that cover everyday life in the Imperial Valley from 1913 to 1949 by portrait photographer Leo Hetzel. Photographs in this collection show images including but not limited to: farmers at work in the fields, desert landscapes, group portraits, and the homes and businesses of those in the Imperial Valley. A substantial number of photographs also cover the creation of: the All American Canal, canals by the Imperial Irrigation District, and the creation of the Hoover Dam (not located in the Imperial Valley).
The Imperial Irrigation District Photograph Collection contains a total of 2,406 photographs that cover the construction and use of the Imperial Irrigation District canals, bridges, and other aspects related to the development of water use in the Imperial Valley of California and water in the west.
Collections Search
You can search by keyword, advanced search, by type of record such as archives, photos, library or object. You can also generate random images from the collection.
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.