Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History


The Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History is a nonprofit educational institution in Santa Cruz, California, located 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. The history collection of the museum is successor to the Santa Cruz Historical Society. History holdings include a permanent local Monterey Bay Area 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, other local history books, and an Online History Journal.
The Museum operates the Abbott Square community plaza and three historical structures/sites: Evergreen Cemetery, Davenport Jail, and the Octagon Building. Many community programs are designed by, with, and for community members in Santa Cruz County.
In 2020, Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History appointed Rob Woulfe the executive director. He was preceded by Nina Simon.