Thank you to the many community members who joined us for the 7th annual #MuseumOfTheMacabre! Please enjoy these photos and tag us @santacruzmuseum!
Uncategorized
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.
11/16 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
3/23 Educator Workshop with the Amah Mutsun
Saturday, March 23, 2024
9am-3pm
Breakfast and Lunch provided
Please Note: This workshop will take place at the Santa Cruz County Office of Education located at 400 Encinal St.
Join the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History for a FREE 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
Thank you to our generous sponsors for supporting this event
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.
Venga a disfrutar de nuestros programas gratuitos, conéctese con la ciencia y la naturaleza, y diviértase con su familia y amigos. ¡Comparta esta invitación y únase a nuestra comunidad! Para recibir notificaciones sobre los próximos programas y eventos en Watsonville, suscríbase a nuestro boletín mensual.
Come visit the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History’s Mini-Museum located at SOMOS Watsonville – 112 E Beach St, Watsonville, CA 95076.
Venga a visitar el Mini-Museo del Museo de Historia Natural de Santa Cruz ubicado en SOMOS Watsonville – 112 E Beach St, Watsonville, CA 95076.
Free Upcoming Programs | Próximos programas gratuitos
Make sure to sign up for our free Nature Explorers Summer Camp! This camp will be in Watsonville. Location TBD.
¡Asegúrese de inscribirse en nuestro campamento de verano gratuito Nature Explorers! Este campamento será en Watsonville. Ubicación por confirmar.
Family Fun: Pajaro Valley Arts
February 21, 2025 | 2-3:30 p.m. |Pajaro Valley Arts
Come to Pajaro Valley Arts and join us in learning about fungi while making a mushroom hat to take home!
Diversión Familiar: Pajaro Valley Arts
21 de febrero de 2025 | 2-3:30 p.m. | Pajaro Valley Arts
¡Venga a Pajaro Valley Arts y acompañenos para aprender sobre los hongos mientras hace un sombrero de hongo para llevar a casa!
Mobile Museum : Natural History
February 27, 2025 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Landmark Elementary School
Come visit us at Landmark Elementary School to learn about natural history and participate in an art activity! You’ll be able to draw your favorite item from our collections and take it home with you.
Mobile Museum : Natural History
27 de febrero de 2025 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Landmark Elementary School
¡Venga a visitarnos a la Escuela Primaria Landmark para aprender sobre historia natural y participar en una actividad artística! Podrá dibujar su artículo favorito de nuestras colecciones y llevárselo a casa.
After-School Activity: Arte del Corazón
March 5 & 19, 2025 | 4:30-6:30 p.m. | Arte del Corazón
Come to Arte del Corazón for an art activity: embossed copper prints. Make a print that will last forever inspired by the different things you see in nature! This printmaking technique is called “embossing”. Used during the 19th century to design stamps and seals for documents, to make coins, and to make a variety of different types of prints. We will be at Arte del Corazon every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month!
Actividad después de la escuela: Arte del Corazón
5 7 19 de marzo de 2025 | 4:30-6:30 p.m. | Arte del Corazón
¡Venga a Arte del Corazón para una actividad artística: arte repujado de cobre. ¡Haga una impresión que durará para siempre inspirada en las diferentes cosas que ve en la naturaleza! Esta técnica de grabado se llama “relieve”. Se utilizó durante el siglo XIX para diseñar sellos y sellos para documentos, para fabricar monedas y para realizar una variedad de diferentes tipos de impresiones. ¡Estaremos en Arte del Corazón cada 1er y 3er miércoles del mes!
Family Fun: Toddler Tumble Time
March 11, 2025 | 10:30-11:30 a.m. | Watsonville Public Library
Come for Toddler Tumble Time each second Tuesday of the month. We will be showcasing our museum collections. Come join us to learn about natural history!
Diversión Familiar: Hora de Toddler Tumble
11 de marzo de 2025 | 10:30-11:30 a.m. | Biblioteca pública de Watsonville
Venga a disfrutar la Hora de Toddler Tumble cada segundo martes del mes. Mostraremos nuestras colecciones del museo. ¡Venga para aprender sobre historia natural!
After-School Activity: SOMOS Watsonville
March 13, 2025 | 4-5:30 p.m. | SOMOS Watsonville
Come to SOMOS Watsonville for an art activity: Fungi Fine Lines (Stencils and Watercolor)! You’ll be able to draw and paint your favorite mushroom and take it home with you. We will be at SOMOS Watsonville every 2nd Thursday of the month!
Actividad después de la escuela: SOMOS Watsonville
13 de marzo de 2025 | 4-5:30 p.m. | SOMOS Watsonville
¡Venga a SOMOS Watsonville para una actividad artística: Hongos y Acuarela! Podrá dibujar y pintar su hongo favorito y llevárselo a casa. ¡Estaremos en SOMOS Watsonville cada segundo jueves del mes!
Mobile Museum : Egg collection
March 14, 2025 | 2:30 p.m. | Watsonville Public Library
Come visit us to view our bird egg collections! Come join us to learn about birds with us. We are at the Library every 2nd Friday of the month.
Museo Móvil : colecciones de huevos
14 de marzo de 2025 | 2:30pm. | Biblioteca pública de Watsonville
¡Visítenos para ver nuestras colecciones de huevos de aves! Venga para aprender sobre las aves con nosotros. Nosotros estamos en la biblioteca cada segundo viernes del mes.
After-School Activity: Environmental Science Workshop
February TBD, 2025| 3:30-4:30 p.m. | Environmental Science Workshop
Join us at the Environmental Science Workshop every first and third Tuesday of the month. Discover this botanical process with fresh flowers and a cardboard press. Come and learn how to make a plant press to dry and preserve your favorite flowers.
Actividad después de la escuela: Taller de Ciencias Ambientales
febrero de 2025| 3:30-4:30 p.m. | Taller de Ciencias Ambientales
Venga al Taller de Ciencias Ambientales cada primer y tercer martes del mes. Descubra este proceso botánico con flores frescas y una prensa de cartón. Venga y aprenda a hacer un prensador de plantas para secar y conservar sus flores favoritas.
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.
Additional upcoming events – Próximos eventos adicionales
Explore the nature of Santa Cruz — wherever you are! Connect with local experts and deepen your understanding about nature, science, and stewardship online and in-person. Stay updated about upcoming events!
¡Explore la naturaleza de Santa Cruz, dondequiera que esté! Conéctese con expertos locales y profundice su comprensión sobre la naturaleza, la ciencia y la gestión en línea y en persona. Mantengase actualizado sobre los próximos eventos.
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.
Thank you for sending us your sea monster!
Follow us on social media to see if your submission will be featured.
Maritime Mysteries and Monsters Events
- Santa Cruz Sea Monsters with Geoffrey Dunn (recording)
Santa Cruz has a long history of fishing lore, including the legend of the “Old Man of the Monterey Bay.” Geoffrey Dunn is a fourth-generation member of the Santa Cruz Italian … Read more - Contest | We’re Searching For Sea Monsters
In honor of the new exhibit, Maritime Mysteries and Monsters, we’re searching for sea monsters! Share your photos, videos, artwork, or stories spotlighting the scary side of the sea. One lucky … Read more
6/10 Nature Club: Moore Creek Preserve and Summer Startup
Kick off the beginning of summer with an awesome visit to the Moore Creek Preserve, exploring different communities found in one of our best local habitats. Birds, deer, coyotes, rabbits, and much more call this place home and we will learn all about the adaptations that they need to survive in this environment.
Saturday, June 10th | 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Moore Creek Preserve
Ages: 6th-8th grade
$10 |$5 Museum Members | Register
What is Nature Club?
Nature Club takes young explorers (6th-8th Grade) into local habitats to learn about the amazing living world around us while making discoveries along the way. Programs are led by Museum staff with kids dropped off at rotating locations, including local parks, open spaces, and of course at the Museum! Exploration and activities help kids learn more about nature through observation and experience while developing a deeper connection to nature and making new friends.
What to Expect
Programs run from 10:00 a.m -12:30 p.m. and occur on the first Saturday of the month. The Museum does not provide transportation to offsite meeting spots, and participants should be dropped off and picked up by parents/guardians. Some programs may be physically rigorous so please email chris.soriano@santacruzmuseum.org if you have questions about trail accessibility. Programs occur rain or shine, barring extreme weather.
Safety
Nature Club will run in compliance with state and county guidance for health and safety. Participants should not attend if they have been coughing, have a fever, or had recent contact with someone with a positive test.