California Historical Resources Information System

The California Historical Resources Information System (CHRIS) maintains a wide range of documents and materials relating to historical resources (e.g., buildings, structures, objects, historic and archaeological sites, landscapes, districts). The CHRIS operates structurally through the California Office of Historic Preservation (OHP), nine Information Centers (ICs), and the State Historical Resources Commission (SHRC). The OHP administers and coordinates the CHRIS and presents proposed CHRIS policies to the SHRC, which approves these policies in public meetings, under authorization of Public Resources Code 5020.4(a)(2) and 5020.4(a)(3). Policies are codified in the CHRIS Information Center Rules of Operation Manual. 

The ICs are located on California State University and University of California campuses throughout the state (see List of ICs). The ICs maintain information on cultural resources within their respective geographic areas. Information is organized by resources and reports, in a combination of digital (GIS spatial data, database records, and pdfs) and hard-copy formats. For further information on availability of data, visit About the Inventory. The ICs provide cultural resources information, on a fee for service basis, to local governments, state and federal agencies, Native American tribes, individuals with responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act, the National Historic Preservation Act, and the California Environmental Quality Act, and to the general public as well. The OHP maintains data regarding the legal significance evaluation status of cultural resources, but resource records and reports are forwarded to the respective ICs.

CHRIS Update: 

The Eastern Information Center (EIC) of the California Historical Resources Information System (CHRIS), located at UC Riverside, ceased operations on Friday, June 28, 2024.  The EIC held cultural resources records for Inyo, Mono, and Riverside counties. 

The University of California, Riverside, and the State Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) are working collaboratively to ensure that the transfer of records to existing Information Centers is done as efficiently and quickly as possible.  Once more information is available, including a tentative schedule, information will be posted to this webpage.

OHP realizes the inconvenience that the closure may present to customers and is working diligently to restore access to the cultural resources records as soon as possible.  OHP appreciates your understanding and patience.

Information Center Locations and Contacts
About the CHRIS Inventory
Accessing the CHRIS Inventory