Presented by two longtime friends, through storytelling, images, and guided reflection, we explore how traditions are passed down, evolve over time, and serve as a powerful bridge between generations and communities.

July 18, 2026 11am-1pm

Historian Nina Fresco, draws on more than a decade of research into Santa Monica’s past and explores the airport’s remarkable history and its lasting influence on the city.

August 15, 2026 2pm-3:30pm

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Explore the evolution of African American and intercultural food traditions in Southern California. Through the lens of shared meals, recipes and community gatherings, the exhibition examines how food fosters a sense of belonging, connection and cultural continuity.

The Santa Monica History Museum hosts students from local high schools as we honor Dia de los Muertos. Students share altars honoring family and friends. The rich tradition of Dia de los Muertos is a rare opportunity to spend time with loved ones who have passed away as well as being a time to process their loss and remember. Dia de los Muertos is not a mournful commemoration but a joyous, colorful celebration of life and memory.

Nina Fresco presents highlights from her extensive research into the complex life of Arcadia Bandini Stearns de Baker—an often-overlooked figure in Santa Monica’s founding story.

Book signing and Photo exhibit for "When the City Speaks"

The exhibition positions Vernon Brunson within the context of Black architects like Paul Revere Williams, showcasing his collaborations and highlighting his impact on the architectural landscape.

This exhibit remembers the groundbreaking women of Santa Monica. They were the first and often, though not always, the only women in the room, but they created spaces and places for other women, their communities, and the broader Santa Monica community. Their legacy and work continue to this day.

Delving into the intricate connections between trees, urban development, and the cultural and environmental history of Santa Monica the exhibition serves as a thoughtful exploration of how nature and humanity have coexisted — and often clashed– over centuries..