The collection consists of 424 black and white photographs that document the activities of the Southern California Division of the California Centennials Commission during the years 1948 to 1950. The photographs document events developed by the Division to commemorate California's centennial.

The California Centennials Commission was established in 1946 to direct the state’s participation in the centennial observances of the discovery of gold, the Gold Rush, and the admission of California to the Union. The Southern California Division was organized in 1947, with the assistance of the Historical Society of Southern California, to cooperate with the state-wide Commission; it organized local programs. The state Commission was chaired by Joseph R. Knowland; the Southern California Division was managed by Lloyd D. Mitchell.

1.42 linear ft., 2 boxes

All requests for permission to publish photographs must be submitted in writing to the Curator of Photographs. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the Huntington as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.