About Us
Our Mission
The Santa Monica History Museum’s mission is to collect, preserve and share the history of the Santa Monica Bay Area for generations to come.
Our Vision
Since 1975 we’ve been sharing the rich, diverse history of the Santa Monica Bay Area. We are committed to serving the community by providing access to dynamic exhibitions highlighting the depth and complexity of our collective history along with our extensive collection of historical objects and an exceptional image archive.
We offer ongoing programming, pop-up exhibitions and community events. We believe museums are for everyone and history belongs to all of us.
The Santa Monica History Museum acknowledges the Gabrielino/Tongva peoples as the traditional land caretakers of Tovaangar (Los Angeles basin and south Channel Islands). We pay our respects to the Honuukvetan (Ancestors), ‘Ahiihirom (Elders) and ‘Eyoohiinken (our relatives/relations) past, present and emerging.
“This museum is an important repository for the Santa Monica Bay Area. Its historical collections serve the educational, archival and research mission of the museum.”
– Mark Roosa
Huntington Library, Pasadena/ Library of Congress Consultant, “Preservation & Access Plan,” SMHSM, 1997
The museum is one of the largest in the country for a city the size of Santa Monica.
Our Founding
SANTA MONICA HISTORY MUSEUM
In 1975, during Santa Monica’s centennial celebration, the city’s rich history took center stage with the presentation of a local history exhibition at the Civic Auditorium by the Centennial Historical Activities Committee. This event led to the establishment of the Santa Monica Historical Society by committee members on October 8, 1975. The society’s mission is to collect, preserve, and serve as the custodian of Santa Monica’s historical heritage.
1975
Santa Monica Historical Society founded
1988
Santa Monica Historical Society Museum opens
KEY PLAYERS
ANN FUNK
In 1975 Ann Funk chaired the Historical Activities Committee for the city centennial celebration. She coordinated its inaugural exhibition at the Civic Auditorium. Ann was the founding Chairwoman of the Historical Society.
CLO HOOVER
Clo Hoover, first woman Mayor of Santa Monica, was the first president of the Historical Society.
LOUISE GABRIEL
Louise Gabriel, one of the founders and incorporators of the Historical Society, founding the Santa Monica Historical Society Museum for the collections to be displayed and shared with the public.
Accomplishments
About Louise
Our Founders
Established in 1988 by Louise and Bob Gabriel the museum initially bore the name Santa Monica Historical Society. Despite limited funding, the Gabriels dedicated three years to the museum’s development, establishment, and operation.
Their enduring vision, unwavering determination, and relentless efforts form the cornerstone of our work. With a deep love for Santa Monica, Louise and Bob devoted over 50 years to community service in the city. Louise served as the museum’s full-time President for 27 years on a pro-bono basis, supported by volunteers and staff.
Our Story
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Today
The museum includes a main exhibition hall and four galleries that showcase artifacts from our esteemed permanent collection. In 2023, we forged a partnership with the Quinn Research Center, culminating in the establishment of the Quinn Gallery—a testament to our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Periodically, our expansive lobby transforms to host pop-up exhibitions, screenings, and lectures.
Our archival treasures have burgeoned to encompass an impressive collection of over six hundred thousand rare photographs, ranking among the most extensive in Southern California. Catering to a diverse audience spanning all age groups, the museum is handicap-accessible and offers a myriad of experiences, including tours, special events, lectures, children’s workshops, and comprehensive research services. Tailored docent-led tours are also available for school groups, youth organizations, and elderhostel/road scholars, enhancing the museum’s commitment to educational outreach.
Our Staff
Susan Potter President
Susan provides overall guidance on all functions of the Museum including board development. She is a member of the museum founding family, and has helped nurture our institution since its creation in 1975.
Contact Susan:
president@santamonicahistory.org
Rob Schwenker Executive Director
Rob oversees museum operations including development, education, exhibitions, programming, events, finance, and staffing.
Contact Rob:
robschwenker@santamonicahistory.org
Anne Wallentine Collections Manager/Curator
Anne oversees exhibition curation, archival collections and facilitates research inquiries.
Contact Anne:
awallentine@santamonicahistory.org
Lisa Dannenbaum Director of Communications
Lisa oversees museum communications and content creation across a diverse array of platforms, while also providing leadership to the SMHM Center for Oral History.
Contact Lisa:
ldannenbaum@santamonicahistory.org