About Us

The Southern San Joaquin Valley Information Center (SSJVIC) is one of nine Information Centers within the California Historical Resources Information System (CHRIS). CHRIS works under the direction of the California Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) and the State Historical Resources Commission (SHRC).

The Information Centers are non-profit organizations, each serving a specific geographic area within the State of California. The SSJVIC is the primary repository for resource records and study reports for the 5 counties of Southern San Joaquin Valley (Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, & Tulare).

The purpose of the center is...

•  to manage historical resources records, reports, and maps.
•  to supply historical resources information to the private and public sector (see Access Policy page for restrictions).
•  to provide educational support and information about historical resources in California to the general public.

Located at California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB), the center currently houses approximately 37,000 cultural resource records documenting historical and archaeological sites and approximately 12,000 study reports.

Utilizing this information, record searches conducted to meet the requirements of state and federal law play a critical role in the long-term protection of cultural resources across Southern-Central California. In addition, the SSJVIC serves as an integral part of the local and regional communities, maintaining student internship and public outreach programs, working with Native American tribes, and local city and county governments.

Latest News

SSJVIC Holiday Closure (11-1-23)

The SSJVIC will be closed Nov. 10, Nov. 20 - Nov. 24, and Dec. 22 - Jan. 1. Please plan your projects accordingly.

SSJVIC Holiday Closure (11-1-22)

The SSJVIC will be closed Nov. 11, Nov. 23 - Nov. 25, and Dec. 23 - Jan. 2. Please plan your projects accordingly.

COVID-19 Screening (10-25-22)

Beginning November 21, 2022, CSUB will no longer require screening for COVID-19 to enter campus. SSJVIC staff will no longer ask to see clearance at appointment times.

SSJVIC Holiday Closures (11-4-21)

The SSJVIC will be closed Nov. 25 - Nov. 26 and Dec. 23 - Jan. 3. Please plan your projects accordingly.

In-House Appointments Resume (8-23-21)

The SSJVIC is now taking in-house appointments. You will be required to prescreen for COVID-19 before coming to campus at www.csub.edu/covid-screen and proof of clearance will need to be shown at the IC entrance. Masks are required at all times on the CSUB campus.

SSJVIC Reopen (8-2-21)

Staff has returned to the office with regular office hours. We will being taking in-house record search appointments again on August 23rd. CSUB requires masks on campus and you will be COVID-19 screened before entering the IC.