Library & Research

Research Library

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Library resources available for public browsing include:

  • reference books
  • an extensive periodical section
  • binders containing photographs, family histories, and vintage scenes of Cloverdale
  • a vital statistics collection of birth, death, funeral and local cemetery records

The Research Center collection includes:

  • archived maps
  • documents
  • artifacts
  • a number of audio and video tapes on various topics of historical interest

Visitors are required to make an appointment to ensure access to library resources.

Research Links

Great free sources for family history, public figures and places research:

Riverside Cemetery

Riverside Cemetery Program Tour

Riverside Cemetery is located on the west side of the Russian River. From Cloverdale, take First Street east. It becomes Crocker Road just outside of town. Make a left into the parking lot (just before the bridge that crosses the river).

The earliest markers date to the 1860s, predating our 1872 incorporation as a town. A quiet walk through the hillside cemetery takes visitors past the ancestors of our community. (The History Center also provides guided tours.)

In recent years, the Cloverdale Historical Society, collaborating with the city and other groups, has made great progress in repairing damage and tending this valuable landmark. Fallen and broken stones have been reset, vegetation cleared, and paths maintained. A CHC caretaker now oversees the cemetery’s maintenance.

An index of individual markers has been placed on the website Internment.net.

The History Center also has a map of the marker locations to assist researchers and visitors.

Street Index

Streets of Cloverdale

Known as a walkable and bikable city, Cloverdale has grown in a charming way. Older more established neighborhoods have a mix of bungalow, craftsman and contemporary style homes, many dating from the early part of the last century. Newer subdivisions are located within city limits, making them an integral part of the community. Commercial properties exist throughout the city.

One of the future goals of the Historical Society is to create a Street Index, to document the locations of each and every structure, providing built dates and notations from our research and archives. The Street Index is largely completed, due to the work of Beverley McChesney. New residents as well as researchers find this a great starting place to find out more about the city and its past.

Street Index (pdf)