Press / Media
In the News!
Changing the plates for the “The Outlook” newspaper
Santa Monica History Museum Collection (36.2.622)All news related to the museum’s exhibitions, collections, and programs, including media images and other exhibition press kit materials are available below.
Press Kit | Museum Facts | In the News | Press Releases
QUESTIONS?
Call 310.395.2290 or email us at info@SantaMonicaHistory.org
Press Kit
Download our logo for use in print or web. File contains both a high-res and web version.
download entire kit (ZIP file)
download fact sheet (PDF)
download logo – high res (JPG)
download logo – web (JPG)
CURRENT EXHIBITION
Download Exhibition Press Kit
Museum Facts
The Santa Monica History Museum is the steward of preserving the history of the Santa Monica Bay. Download fact sheet.
Museum Founding
1975
The Santa Monica History Museum was founded under the “Historical Activities Committee” of Santa Monica’s Centennial Celebration in 1975 and by a public poll. Its name at that time was the Santa Monica Historical Society and it was designated as the official collector and preserver of the history, art, and culture of the Santa Monica Bay Area. Former Mayor Clo Hoover, the first woman mayor of Santa Monica, was elected the first president.
Museum Name Change
2010
At its founding, the Museum was called Santa Monica Historical Society. As part of the relocation to its new permanent location, the museum board thought a new, shorter name would be appropriate, thus it became known as the Santa Monica History Museum.
A name change had been in the works for several months and with a new home now under construction, board members felt the time was right to go from the Santa Monica Historical Society Museum to the much shorter Santa Monica Museum
– Louise Gabriel
Opening Date and Locations
1988 – Temporary location on Third Street Promenade and Colorado Avenue
1994 – 2009: Location on 1539 Euclid Street, leased from Family Services of Santa Monica
March 2009 – Santa Monica Historical Society Museum begins construction at new permanent location, 1350 7th Street, next to the Santa Monica Public Library. Approximately $1.3 million was raised with an estimated cost of approximately $2.3 million. The museum space is provided by City Hall at no rent. Approximate space of 5,000 square feet.
October 24, 2010 – The Santa Monica History Museum opens at its new permanent location
Exhibitions and Features
There are six permanent exhibition rooms and an open area for the main exhibition, which rotates multiple times a year. There are several interactive exhibits, historical objects and photos on display and a research library.
Hours, Admissions, Memberships and Volunteers
The Museum is open to the public Thursday through Sunday and is free, with a suggested donation of $5 for adults. Veterans, active-duty military, members and children under 12 are always free.
Membership benefits include free access, discounts in the Gift Shop, invitations to special events and much more.
Volunteers help keep the Museum running and are a great support during events.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors guide the museum toward reaching its vision and goals. It manages the affairs of the museum and includes several members representing local businesses, organizations, and private industry.
Mission & Community Involvement
The Santa Monica History Museum’s mission is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of Santa Monica for generations to come. The Santa Monica History Museum is the steward of the rich history of the Santa Monica Bay area. We are committed to enriching our community by providing public access to our extensive collection with interpretive exhibitions, public programs, community partnerships and through archival and research services.
In the News
Press Releases
Santa Monica History Museum Appoints John Kearns as First-Ever Executive Director
Newly Created Position will Oversee all Museum Operations Santa Monica, Calif. – October 29, 2021 The Santa Monica History Museum (SMHM) has appointed John Kearns as its first-ever executive director. Kearns, who began his tenure with SMHM in September, oversees all museum operations including development, education and public programming, finance, external communications and staffing. “I’m […]
Museum Mourns Passing of Founder
Santa Monica History Museum Mourns Passing of Founder, President, and CEO Louise Gabriel – Honors Her Legacy by Keeping History Alive The Santa Monica History Museum is saddened by the passing of its Founder, President, and CEO Louise Gabriel. Gabriel was a member of the Historical Activities Committee of the Santa Monica Centennial Celebration in […]
Museum awarded $4,000 Grant from ECF of Boeing CA
The Santa Monica History Museum has been awarded a $4,000 grant from the Employees Community Fund of Boeing CA for its Magic of History: Youth Programs.
Museum awarded grant from ECF of Boeing CA
Photo for the ECF grant news story (SM Mirror): In the photo are, left top right – Anton Acherman, retired Douglas/Boeing employee, Eddie Guerboian, Museum Board Chair, Robert Acherman, Boeing employee. SANTA MONICA MIRROR Santa Monica History Museum Receives $5K Grant From Boeing Nonprofit POSTED NOV. 13. 2012, 8:45AM MITCH JAMES I MIRROR CONTRIBUTOR The […]
Museum awarded grant from Southern California Edison
Photo for the Edison grant news story (SM Daily Press): In the photo are, left to right – Susan Gabriel Potter, Museum Board Member, Mark Olson, Regional Manager of Local Public Affairs for Southern California Edison, Eddie Guerboian, Museum Board Chair, John Bohn, Museum Board Treasurer, Kris Andresen, Museum Architect and Board Member. SANTA MONICA […]
