To advance the goals of SBTHP, the Presidio Research Center collects, organizes and preserves pertinent historic materials, acquires relevant scholarly publications, and sponsors programs of translation, research and publication. The Research Center collection includes a variety of materials in various formats:

• Over 3,000 titles of books, pamphlets, and articles, searchable through an online catalog
• La Campana—Quarterly publication of the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation (La Campana Index.pdf)
• Academic journals, magazines, and newsletters from historical societies, preservation organizations, and genealogical groups
• Photograph Collection—Approximately 22 linear feet of images from SBTHP’s archive, as well as images received from various individuals. Subjects covered include: Casa de la Guerra, the Presidio reconstruction, archaeology, Santa Barbara architecture, missions, people associated with SBTHP, historic preservation, or the historic sites owned by SBTHP; Presidio neighborhood history; and various events. Most photos are available for research use, and some may be reproduced.
• Oral histories—over 140 interviews from Santa Barbara citizens associated with its history
• Architectural plans of the reconstructed Presidio, El Paseo, Casa de la Guerra, and other local adobes
• Facsimile copies of original Spanish language documents (some translated) from the 18th and 19th centuries
• Maps of Santa Barbara City and County, including Sanborn Fire Insurance maps 1892-1958
• Archives of El Presidio State Historic Park and Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation
• Manuscript and special collections