The Society of California Pioneers was established in 1850 just as California became the 31st state in the Union. Today the Society of California Pioneers is still under the leadership of direct descendants of California pioneers. It serves as a venue for California art, history, and culture. Pioneer Hall has a museum with rotating exhibits and the Alice Phelan Sullivan library, which are both open to the public. It is the location of many exhibitions and programs related to California History. The Society emphasizes educational programs and the preservation of historical materials.
The Society of California Pioneers's digital collection at California Revealed consists of text materials from the 1860s to 1940s. The collection includes many complete photo albums related to family life, landscape, industry, and Missions of California.