The Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History (MAH) is a

nonprofit A nonprofit organization (NPO) or non-profit organisation, also known as a non-business entity, not-for-profit organization, or nonprofit institution, is a legal entity organized and operated for a collective, public or social benefit, in co ...

educational institution An educational institution is a place where people of different ages gain an education, including preschools, childcare, primary-elementary schools, secondary-high schools, and universities. They provide a large variety of learning environments an ...

and museum founded in 1996 and located in

Santa Cruz, California Santa Cruz (Spanish for "Holy Cross") is the county seat and largest city of Santa Cruz County, in Northern California. As of the 2020 census, the city population was 62,956. Situated on the northern edge of Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz is a pop ...

, at the downtown McPherson Center. Its mission is to ignite shared experiences and unexpected connections, using art and history to build a stronger, more connected community.

About

The art collection is successor to the Santa Cruz County Museum of Art (founded in 1982). The history collection of the museum is successor to the Santa Cruz Historical Society (founded in 1954). History holdings include a permanent local

Monterey Bay Area Monterey (; es, Monterrey; Ohlone: ) is a city located in Monterey County on the southern edge of Monterey Bay on the U.S. state of California's Central Coast. Founded on June 3, 1770, it functioned as the capital of Alta California under both ...

history gallery, research library and archive. The history collection has over 7,000 items, with collection guides viewable online. The Museum includes a history publications arm, established by the Fred D. McPherson Jr. Publications Fund. Publications include periodic issues of the Santa Cruz County History Journal (eight issues as of January, 2016), other local history books, and an Online History Journal. The Museum operates the Abbott Square community plaza, and three historical structures/sites including Evergreen Cemetery, Davenport Jail, and the Octagon Building. Many community programs are designed by, with, and for community members in Santa Cruz County.

Directors

In February 2020, the MAH appointed Rob Woulfe the executive director. He was preceded by Nina Simon, who served from 2012 until June 2019. * Rob Woulfe, 2020–present * Nina Simon, 2012–2019 * Charles "Chuck" Noel Hilger, 1996–2003

References

External links

* {{authority control Santa Cruz, California Museums in Santa Cruz County, California Art museums and galleries in California History museums in California