San Francisco Department of Public Works Bureau of Engineering Photograph Records

Collection consists of approximately 16,770 photographs documenting the planning, construction, use and maintenance of San Francisco Department of Public Works (SFDPW) Bureau of Engineering projects from 1907 – late 1970s in San Francisco, California. SFDPW Bureau of Engineering was responsible for street improvements; the design and construction of civic buildings including schools and City Hall; and infrastructure construction. The department was initially tasked with organizing street construction and paving projects throughout the city and the earlier visual materials represent that focus. Photos also document construction of sewers and cisterns, construction of reinforced concrete, and construction of pumping stations. Formats represented include photograph albums, black and white photographic prints, glass plate negatives and film negatives.