In January, we looked at rocks from our oldest collection. Today, we explore the Museum’s newest fossil: a fragment of a locally-discovered tooth that belonged to a Columbian mammoth. Not only is this an exciting specimen for the Museum’s Collections, it also brings into the public sphere another piece of what local paleontology expert Frank … Read more
Explore the late 19th century scrapbook of an extraordinary lighthouse keeper, naturalist, and collector, Laura Hecox. Laura Hecox was an extraordinary woman: a brilliant amateur scientist (she even had species named after her!). Laura was the Santa Cruz lighthouse keeper from 1883 to 1916, and a renowned collector whose lighthouse museum was known far and … Read more
As you set out to find the perfect gift for friends, colleagues and loved ones this holiday season, consider giving the gift of membership to the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History. While there are many benefits associated with membership, the real value is the sense of community and pride in the Museum that comes … Read more
As a young undergraduate, I fell in love with science when I first learned to read rocks. There was something so amazing to me about being able to examine a cliff’s rocky layers and to use my knowledge of geology and paleontology to reconstruct the story within them. That revelation opened a whole new world … Read more
October 7, 2017 – February 4, 2018 Member-only Opening Reception | October 6, 6-8pm Club-Level Member Walk-Through with Curator Frank Perry | October 6, 5-6pm Most everyone has seen the stone bridge at Natural Bridges State Beach. It is just one of over a dozen natural arches and bridges that have come and gone along West … Read more
February 9 – June 2210 AM – 12 PMPre-Registration RequiredFREE – Open to all agesSan Lorenzo River (various locations) This series of FREE walks hosted by the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History and Coastal Watershed Council aims to connect our community with the San Lorenzo River. The San Lorenzo River watershed is home to … Read more
As we enter a fresh year, I appreciate this time to reflect on the exciting achievements our Museum has made in 2016. I am also grateful to the many dedicated folks — staff, board members, volunteers and donors — who lent a hand (or two) in our ongoing transformation and evolution as an organization.
100% of your purchases support our mission to connect people with nature and inspire stewardship. Visit our Online Museum Store! Support the Museum during the COVID-19 closure with the purchase of unique items and specially curated gift sets in our ONLINE STORE. Looking to purchase items you don’t see in our online store? Contact retail@santacruzmuseum.org … Read more
Tidepooling in a Bustle: Tracing the Museum’s History The Museum traces its beginnings to the late 1800s and the collection of naturalist Laura Hecox. Miss Hecox was born in Santa Cruz in 1854 and from childhood had a keen interest in the natural sciences. Her parents, Adna and Margaret Hecox, traveled overland from Illinois to … Read more