Born into one of the first Black families in Santa Monica, Brunson was a poet, playwright, and columnist for the California Eagle newspaper.
Despite encountering barriers in aviation due to racism, he channeled his passion by becoming an electro mechanical designer at Hughes
Aircraft. Additionally, he founded a branch of the Black Wings Flying Club, championing inclusivity in aviation.
Brunson was a vocal advocate for equality, contributing an accessibility ramp to the design for Santa Monica City Hall, emphasizing the intersection of his work with the broader social issues of his time.
The exhibition positions Brunson within the context of Black architects like Paul Revere Williams, showcasing his collaborations and highlighting his impact on the architectural landscape.
Visitors can expect to see a diverse array of his work, from architectural plans to paintings, furniture designs, and even a unique “selfie” mechanism he created for his camera. The exhibiLon will also delve into the personal aspects of his life, providing a holistic view of this extraordinary individual.
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“We are so excited to continue to deepen our relationship and further our work with the Quinn Research Center through this fascinating look at the life of the extraordinary Vernon Brunson. He was a true renaissance man, and we’re honored to present his story.”
-Rob Schwenker, Executive Director Santa Monica History Museum.
From the Ground Up, The Life of Vernon Brunson is presented in the museum’s Quinn Gallery, established under a partnership with the Quinn Research Center, an archive for Black Family History. The Santa Monica History Museum invites the public to join in this tribute to Vernon Brunson’s life and achievements, fostering a deeper understanding of his legacy in shaping the fabric of Santa Monica.
Curators: Anne Wallentine and the Quinn Research Center
From the Ground Up is made possible through the generous support of our sponsors
• ANISE & CHARLES HARKEY •
About SMHM:
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 collective history through our extensive collection of
historical objects and an exceptional image archive. We offer ongoing programming, pop-up
exhibitions, and community events.
About the Quinn Gallery:
The Quinn Gallery is a partnership of the Santa Monica History Museum and the Quinn Research Center (QRC). The Quinn Gallery advances the museum’s commitment to inclusivity as we conLnue our mission to share the history of the Santa Monica Bay area.
Location: 1350 7th Street, Santa Monica, California 90401
The QRC is an archive of Black family history and Santa Monica Bay culture. It was established by Carolyne and Bill Edwards as a tribute to the legacy of Dr. Alfred T. Quinn, a prominent Santa Monica Black educator and community leader.
That really cool accomplishment by him and growing up in Santa Monica something I didn’t know