Thank you to the many community members who joined us for the 67th annual #MuseumOfTheMacabre! Please enjoy these photos and tag us @santacruzmuseum!
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FULL 11/18 Family Fun with Tule
Get crafty with us for some hands-on learning this Native American Heritage Month. Join us for a Family Fun event all about tule, a plant traditionally used by local Indigenous communities to create different items and tools. During this event, Museum educators will help families create boats and other crafts.
Saturday, November 18, 2023
1-2:30 p.m.
Free | Donations Appreciated
This program has reached capacity.
Email events@santacruzmuseum.org to be added to a waitlist.
Email events@santacruzmuseum.org with any questions, accommodation requests, or if you have trouble registering.
Accessibility
- All ages are welcome. However, this program is best suited for children ages 5 years & older and their families.
- Instructors will adapt the program for the needs of the group.
- Youth under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
- All materials will be provided for registered participants.
- Restrooms and water fountain will be available inside the Museum during this program.
- Recommendations: Wear layers, comfortable shoes, sun protection, and bring any snacks/water you might need.
- Please leave your pets at home. Trained service animals are permitted.
- Follow the latest guidelines for COVID safety at the time of the program.
11/18 Saturdays in the Soil
We are coming together as a community to steward Tyrrell Park through the City’s Adopt-A-Park program. At the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, you gain new wisdom about local ecology, native plants, and sustainable gardening while connecting with nature outdoors. It’s time to get your hands dirty! Join us and volunteer in the Museum’s Garden Learning Center and Pilkington Creek.
Saturday, November 18 | 10 a.m. to noon
Every third Saturday at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Email volunteer@santacruzmuseum.org to RSVP. Space is limited.
What to Expect
- This project requires volunteer support with general landscaping, occasional watering, weeding, and replanting.
- Please let us know if you need special accommodations when you email to RSVP.
- This program happens rain or shine, but we will cancel in the case of muddy conditions or inclement weather.
- All ages are welcome; children under 14 require adult supervision. Volunteers under 18 require a parent/guardian to sign waivers.
- Please follow latest guidelines for covid safety at the time of the program.
11/16 BIPOC Bonfires
Be in community for monthly bonfire talks at Seabright Beach led by local leaders of color, in partnership with County Park Friends. November’s conversation will focus on Native American Heritage Month.
Thursday, November 16, 2023
BIPOC Hours: 4-5 p.m.
Location: Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
BIPOC Bonfire Talks: 5-6:30 p.m.
Location: Seabright Beach
Monthly Series Topics
- February 28: Kick-Off Event!
- March 16: Buffalo Soldiers with Aniko Milan
- April 20: Colorism and Internal Racism with Santa Cruz Black
- May 18: Black Expressive Arts and Silent Disco with African Roots Social Club and Dewitt Productions
- June 22: BIPOC Roller Skaters History of Venice Beach with County Park Friends
- July 20; BIPOC Joy with Areperia 831
- August 17: Father Taj
- September 21: National LatinxHeritage Month with County Park Friends
- October 19: TBD
- November 16: National Native American Heritage Month with County Park Friends
About the Series/Sobre la Serie
Check out the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History during special extended hours for our BIPOC community, then walk over to the beach to enjoy time together around the fire learning about historic or significant BIPOC figures, amazing natural wonders or discussion of issues we face today. This series continues on the 3rd Thursdays of the month 4-5 p.m. at the museum and 5-6:30 p.m. at the beach!
Visite el Museo de Historia Natural de Santa Cruz durante el horario extendido especial (el mismo día 4-5) para nuestra comunidad BIPOC, luego camine hasta la playa para disfrutar del tiempo juntos alrededor del fuego aprendiendo sobre figuras históricas o significativas de BIPOC, asombrosas maravillas naturales o discusión de los problemas que enfrentamos hoy. ¡Esta serie continúa los terceros jueves del mes de 4 a 5 p. m. en el museo y de 5 a 6:30 p. m. en la playa!
Collection Club
This invitation is for Museum club-level members and a small group of our friends to preview our new exhibit and view collections items not regularly on display.
We hope you will join us as we close our very popular exhibit, Underground: Unearthing Unseen Worlds, hear insights from our exhibits team, and prepare elements for our upcoming exhibit, The Curious World of Seaweed.
Thursday, November 9, 2023 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM
Light refreshments will be served
Educator Workshop with the Amah Mutsun
WORKSHOP POSTPONED
To receive information about future workshop dates, please email education@santacruzmuseum.org
Join the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History for a collaborative workshop connecting local educators with tribal leaders.
This workshop aims to deepen knowledge, clarify terminology, and provide a space for dialogue about incorporating a native perspective into K-12 curriculum. Teachers will have the opportunity to work side-by-side with colleagues and tribal representatives as they consider the strengths and weaknesses of their current curriculum and consider ways that they might better incorporate an Indigenous perspective into future lessons.
Featuring Valentin Lopez, Chairman of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band
In partnership with Santa Cruz County Office of Education
Thank you to our generous sponsors for supporting this event
Membership at the Museum
What does it mean to be a Member of the Museum?
There’s never been a better time to become a Museum Member and take advantage of the benefits! Membership is perfect for anyone who loves all that Santa Cruz County has to share, from its shoreline to the summit. You’ll love the hikes, walks, talks, and fun events the Museum offers. Join our diverse community now and gain unique opportunities to immerse yourself all year long in nature experiences and environmental education that informs and inspires! Meet fellow nature lovers of all ages and backgrounds.
Special Membership Offer
In 2024 we have to increase our Membership offering, renew your individual, senior or student Membership today, to get the special offer.
Join the Club! Annual Club Membership
receive enhanced recognition and special access to the Museum
Pat & Kirk Smith Club | $250
Friend level benefits plus an invitation to additional VIP Club events throughout the year, an invitation to our Patrons reception, and recognition in our annual report to the community.
Humphrey Pilkington Club | $500
Friend level benefits plus a 20% discount on purchases at the Museum Store during promotional events, an invitation to our Patrons reception, and recognition in our annual report to the community.
Laura Hecox Club | $1,000
Friend level benefits, a 20% discount on purchases at the Museum Store during promotional events, an invitation to our Patrons reception, and recognition in our annual report to the community. Plus a private guided tour of the Museum for you and up to 4 guests.
Membership Benefits
Our programs, exhibits, walks, talks, and events are exceptional and will have you ready to sign up for more. With just two standard program fees, your membership pays for itself.
| Level | Price | Free Admission | Program Discount | Store Discount | Exhibit Opening | Guest Passes | Camp Discount | ASTC Passport | Club Level Events |
| Student/Senior | $15 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Individual | $30 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Family | $50 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Friend | $100 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Pat & Kirk Smith Club | $250 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Humphrey Pilkington Club | $500 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Laura Hecox Club | $1000 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Annual Membership Levels and Benefits
Friend Membership | $100 Family level benefits plus participation in the ASTC Passport Program. Discounts on Summer Camps, and invitations to small member-only events.
Family Membership | $50 Standard benefits plus free admission to the Museum for two adults, two single-use guest passes, and discounts on Summer Camps.
Individual Membership will increase | $35 In addition to the standard benefits, one single-use guest pass.
Senior Membership will increase | $ 15
Standard benefits
Student Membership will increase | $ 15
Standard benefits
Gift Membership
choose the membership level
Lightkeeper Society
(with confirmation of a planned gift)
Laura Hecox Club level benefits, a 20% discount on purchases at the Museum Store during promotional events, an invitation to our Patrons reception, and recognition in our annual report to the community. Plus a private guided tour of the Museum for you and up to 4 guests.
Join today !
Other ways to join or renew: stop by the Museum to join during regular business hours, call the Museum at (831) 420-6115, or send a check to 1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95062. Give the gift of Membership! Share your love of nature with friends and family through the purchase of a gift membership. Let us know how we can make your gift special.
Membership: Get 6 months for Free
What does it mean to be a Member of the Museum?
There’s never been a better time to become a Museum Member and take advantage of the benefits! Membership is perfect for anyone who loves all that Santa Cruz County has to share, from its shoreline to the summit. You’ll love the hikes, walks, talks, and fun events the Museum offers. Join our diverse community now and gain unique opportunities to immerse yourself all year long in nature experiences and environmental education that informs and inspires! Meet fellow nature lovers of all ages and backgrounds.
Standard Membership Benefits
Our programs, exhibits, walks, talks, and events are exceptional and will have you ready to sign up for more. With just two standard program fees, your membership pays for itself.
Included in all Memberships:
• Free admission to the Museum
• 10% off at the Museum Store
• Exclusive invites to Exhibits
• Early Bird Program Registration
• Exclusive Free Programs for Members
• Program Discounts and more…
Annual Membership Levels and Benefits
Friend Membership | $100 Family level benefits plus participation in the ASTC Passport Program. Discounts on Summer Camps, and invitations to small member-only events.
Family Membership | $50 Standard benefits plus free admission to the Museum for two adults, two single-use guest passes, and discounts on Summer Camps.
Individual Membership | $35 In addition to the standard benefits, one single-use guest pass.
Senior Membership | $15
Standard benefits
Student Membership | $15
Standard benefits
Gift Membership
choose the membership level
Get 6 months FREE for family membership or above
Join the Club! Club Membership
receive enhanced recognition and special access to the Museum
Pat & Kirk Smith Club | $250 Friend level benefits plus an invitation to additional VIP Club events throughout the year, an invitation to our Patrons reception, and recognition in our annual report to the community.
Humphrey Pilkington Club | $500 Friend level benefits plus a 20% discount on purchases at the Museum Store during promotional events, an invitation to our Patrons reception, and recognition in our annual report to the community.
Laura Hecox Club | $1,000 Friend level benefits, a 20% discount on purchases at the Museum Store during promotional events, an invitation to our Patrons reception, and recognition in our annual report to the community. Plus a private guided tour of the Museum for you and up to 4 guests.
Lightkeeper Society
(with confirmation of a planned gift)
Laura Hecox Club level benefits, a 20% discount on purchases at the Museum Store during promotional events, an invitation to our Patrons reception, and recognition in our annual report to the community. Plus a private guided tour of the Museum for you and up to 4 guests.
Join today and save!
Other ways to join or renew: stop by the Museum to join during regular business hours, call the Museum at (831) 420-6115, or send a check to 1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95062. Give the gift of Membership! Share your love of nature with friends and family through the purchase of a gift membership. Let us know how we can make your gift special.
Get 6 months FREE for family membership or above
Watsonville – Let’s Go Outside! – ¡Vamos afuera!
Free Family Programs | Programas familiares gratuitos
Join our free programs, connect with science and nature, and have fun with your family and friends. Share this invitation and join our community! To receive email reminders about upcoming programs and events in Watsonville, subscribe to our monthly newsletter below.
Únete a nuestros programas gratuitos, conéctate con la ciencia y la naturaleza y diviértete con tu familia y amigos. ¡Comparte esta invitación y únete a nuestra comunidad! Para recibir notificaciones sobre los próximos programas y eventos en Watsonville, suscríbete a nuestra boletín mensual aquí.
Free Upcoming Programs | Próximos programas gratuitos
Family Nature Walk
Saturday, November 25| 10 am – noon | at Struve Slough
Meet at UPS Store (Ohlone Loop Trailhead) for a short, fun walk to explore the beauty and wonders of the wetlands. Binoculars provided.
Caminata Familiar por la Naturaleza
Sábado, noviembre 25 | 10am – 12 pm | en Struve Slough
Únase a nosotros en frente de la tienda UPS (Sendero Ohlone) para una caminata corta y divertida para explorar la belleza de los humedales. Se proporciona binoculares.
Nature Weaving
Thursday, November 30| 3:30 – 5:30 pm | at Marinovich Park
Join us at the Environmental Science Workshop in Marinovich Park for an afternoon of learning how to use natural materials to weave and make art.
Los Tejidos de la Naturaleza
Jueves, noviembre 30 | 3:30 – 5:30 pm| en Parque Marínovich
Reúnase en el Taller de Ciencias Medioambientales en el Parque Marinovich para un programa de aprender cómo se usa materiales naturales para tejer y hacer arte.
Family Nature Walk
Saturday, December 9 | 10am-12pm | Pinto Lake
Join us for a short, fun walk to explore the beauty of Pinto Lake! We will meet at Pinto Lake County Park between the soccer field and playground area. Binoculars will be provided.
Caminata familiar por la naturaleza
Sábado, diciembre 9 | 10am-12 pm | Lago Pinto
¡Únase a nosotros para una caminata corta y divertida para explorar la belleza del Lago Pinto! Nos encontraremos en el Parque del Condado del Lago Pinto entre los campos de fútbol y el área de juegos. Se proporcionan binoculares.
Holiday Wreath Making
Tuesday, Decemeber 12| 3:30-5:30 pm | Marinovich Park
Join us at the Environmental Science Workshop in Marinovich Park to make a holiday wreath using local plants. Come make a gift for a family member or a friend!
Hacer una corona de las fiestas
Jueves diciembre 12 | 3:30-5:30 pm| Parque Marínovich
Reúnase en el Taller de Ciencias Medioambientales en el Parque Marinovich para hacer una corona de las fiestas con plantas locales. Ven y haz un regalo para tu familia o amigo!
These programs are funded by the Outdoor Equity Grants Program, created through AB 209 and administered by California State Parks, Office of Grants and Local Services.
Estos programas son financiados por el Programa de Subvenciones de Equidad al Aire Libre, creado a través AB 209 y administrado por la Oficina de Subvenciones y Servicios Locales de Parque Estatales de California.
2022 Museum of the Macabre Photos
Thank you to the many community members who joined us for the 6th annual #MuseumOfTheMacabre! Please enjoy these photos and tag us @santacruzmuseum! Thanks to Super Original for the photobooth photos.
