Connecting People with Nature and Science to Inspire Stewardship of the Natural World

The Museum Receives Accreditation!

This March, The Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History achieved accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), the highest national recognition afforded to the nation’s museums. Developed and sustained by museum professionals for over fifty years, the Alliance’s museum accreditation program is the field’s primary vehicle for quality assurance, self-regulation, and public accountability.  Of the nation’s estimated 33,000 museums, roughly 1,100 are currently accredited. The Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History is one of only 78 museums accredited in California. “We are also honored to now be the only accredited museum in Santa Cruz County. This distinction will carry us into our Bright Future as we renovate the historic building to match our excellence in service,” said Felicia Van Stolk, Executive Director of the Museum.

The Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization governed by a board of directors. We are the first museum in Santa Cruz, dating back to 1905 with the founding collection of Santa Cruz lighthouse keeper and naturalist, Laura Hecox. The Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History’s Core Goals are:

• Build community around stewardship for the environment
• Create a dynamic place for learning, dialogue, study, and exploration
• Offer interactive educational experiences for children, families and adults
• Celebrate the diversity of species, people, and cultures
• Embrace global environmental awareness and local action
• Collaborate with others to create positive change
• Uphold ethics, integrity, and mutual respect in all we do