Search Our Database
Welcome to the database (index only) of over 188,000 local names within local records that have been digitized, indexed, and preserved by the Santa Barbara County Genealogical Society. Our Database Collection Descriptions page provides descriptions of these collections and examples of record images. Full record images in most collections are available for purchase where indicated.
SBCGS Members: Remember to log in before searching to obtain a discount on purchased record images!
Please be patient. It may take up to a minute for the database to initially load.
Last updated: September 3, 2024
How to Search
Database Search Instructions
Navigation
- Search the entire database or limit your search to the specific Categories and Locations (listed on the left side panel).
- Available search fields vary depending on the Category being searched (marriage dates are not available on Death Records, for example).
- To expand or collapse a list, click on the arrowhead [>] (to the left of Categories and/or Locations). Once a Category or Location has been expanded, click on the down arrowhead [∨] to collapse it and then see the list of options.
Search
- Search criteria is not case-sensitive.
- If all search fields are blank, every record in the database will be listed.
- An asterisk (*) can be used as a wildcard in search fields (as a substitute for one or more characters in a name). For example, “s*” in the Surname field returns all surnames that begin with the letter “s”.
- Typing in any field brings up available spelling options* used to search in this field. Remember to click the Apply button after making any changes to the options.
- Event dates can be searched by year, or by specifying a range restriction, like +/- 5 years.
- Only places that are chosen from an event’s location dropdown list will return search results.
- Change search parameters and get updated results by clicking the Update After making several attempts without success, click Clear All to restart.
- Keywords
- Use this field to search for alternate spellings and names of your ancestor (aliases or nicknames, such as Whisky Pete).
- This field may contain additional information about your ancestor (such as juror, witness, military, professional credentials, etc.).