The Big Creek Hydroelectric Project is an extensive hydroelectric power system on the upper San Joaquin River system. Construction of the project began in 1911 by the Pacific Light and Power company and in 1917, Pacific Light and Power Company merged with Southern California Edison Company who completed construction and continues to operate the project. Today, the Big Creek Project generates over 4 billion kilowatt hours per year and accounts for 12 percent of all the hydroelectric power in California. Images in this Collection were generously donated by Roy Broomfield who was raised near Powerhouse #2 and Camp Sierra then eventually settling in Madera County.

Photos included in the L.A. Winchell Collection were donated by Walt Ellis and Family. L. A. Winchell was born in Sacramento in 1855 and moved to Millerton with his family in May 1859. In 1874, the family moved to Fresno after it was named the new county seat. Photos concentrate on the Central San Joaquin Valley, with particular focus on early Fresno County and, what is now, Madera County.

Photos and Historical Documents preserving the livestock grazing history of Madera County.

Photos and History of the Logging and Saw Mill History of Madera County. The Collection also includes some photos and information for Fresno and Mariposa Counties as well.

Collection of early Madera County Glass Lantern Slides donated by Neil and Sandy McDougald of Madera County.

Early Madera County and City Maps.

The Madera County Native American Collection was made possible by a Chukchansi Community Grant. We are very thankful to those families who donated their family photo collections. The Collection is comprised of Photos, Documents and Audio Recordings donated by Families, Museums, the National Archives, U.S. Forest Service and various research facilities within California.