Sonoma State University’s Gaye LeBaron Fund

Thompson Brothers 1877 map of Sonoma County, along with photographic portraits of (left to right) Mexican agricultural laborers from the Bracero Program, including Rafael Morales, in Windsor, California, 1942; Pomo language consultant Maggie Woho, 1960 (John LeBaron, photographer); Farmer Peter Braga feeding his piglet, 1951 (John LeBaron, photographer)

Both the Gaye LeBaron Collection and the John LeBaron Photograph Collection offer unique material to enhance student learning and scholarly research. The Gaye LeBaron Collection features the working papers of a distinguished Sonoma County journalist and public historian, and the John LeBaron Photograph Collection includes prints and photo negatives of a nationally recognized photographer and photojournalist. Both are part of the Library’s Special Collections & University Archives, home to rare books, archives, and manuscript collections.

The emphasis of Sonoma State University Special Collections is on the history, people, and culture of the North Bay region of California, but some collections cover a wide range of subjects. The department archives many materials of significant historical value that are worthy of permanent preservation. Books, photographs, personal letters, periodicals, media, and artifacts are included in the collections, and the archives continue to grow with items acquired every year.

Our department offers a vibrant, interactive place for Sonoma State University students, scholars, and community members to conduct research, engage in classes using original sources, and view changing exhibitions. We commit to a concerted focus on voices, knowledge, and memory-making practices historically excluded from the archival record.