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
FAQs FOR THE DOWNTOWN FIELD STATION
What is the Downtown Field Station? The Downtown Field Station is our new temporary Museum location while our beloved Seabright home goes under a restorative transformation. It will host a Museum Store alongside exhibits and rotating displays of local natural history and art.
We hope to open retail this winter. Grand opening of retail and exhibits will be in spring 2027.
No! We will open with no admission fee. Donations are encouraged.
TBD. CHECK BACK SOON FOR NEW HOURS!
We will recreate some of our most iconic exhibits, and reinterpret many of the amazing specimens from our collections. This space will be an opportunity to test out new concepts for the future permanent exhibits.
Members will continue to receive exclusive benefits while supporting our operations, teaching children about the natural environment, receiving discounts to many programs, discounts at our retail and online store, and more.
Yes, please! Your membership supports the Museum and our Bright Future
2-3 years to complete the construction and move back into our main Seabright location.
Yes! We will continue to lead field trips in nature and based in schools.
Yes! We will continue to lead nature-based camps at various locations (TBD).
Yes! We are still working out the details, but we are so grateful for our many partners who might co-host our educational programs.
Yes! We are excited to join the vibrant downtown First Friday scene, and look forward to featuring rotating nature-inspired art!
View Our Annual Reports
View Our Financial Statements
A Special Thank You to Our Partners
Trust in Transparency: Explore Our Nonprofit Ratings
We’re proud to uphold the highest standards of accountability and stewardship, and we invite you to see that commitment for yourself. Click our Candid and Charity Navigator seals to explore independent evaluations of the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History and learn how your support fuels education, conservation, and community connection.