DISCOVER at the Santa Monica History Museum!
Current Exhibition
Broadway to Freeway
Life and Times of a Vibrant Community
April 1 – December 23 2022
[ video appears here – special permission required to render – this site is for demo purposes only – the actual SMHM website has permission ]
We Gather: Black Life in Santa Monica told through Music, Visuals, and Narrative
A film based on the music of Los Angeles composer Derrick Skye. The music, broken up into three movements or themes, is inspired by stories and historic accounts Skye learned when taking a Black Santa Monica History tour with lifetime Santa Monica resident Robbie Jones.
Outlook Collection (1998.1.1103)
COLLECTIONS
Historical Photos
Consisting today of over 600,000 prints, negatives, glass-plate negatives and slides, we have one of the most comprehensive collection in existence documenting Santa Monica’s history.
Photo Reprints
Many of our photos may be purchased as reprints. Search our catalog to find that special one to add to your home, business or video background!
1,000s more photos to choose from in our archives!
THEN & NOW
EXPERIENCE our online version of this interactive feature found in our A Town in the Arts exhibition room.
HISTORY HAPPENED HERE
DISCOVER more history with our interactive table in the museum!
Or EXPLORE the city of Santa Monica and when you see our QR Code in a business window, scan it to see photos and to learn more about the historical significance of that area!
MORLEY BUILDERS
Research Library
Our research library provides historical materials and information to teachers, students, scholars, publishers, the media and a host of others.
We respond to questions (several thousand a year) for information on a daily basis from people, organizations and the locally, nationally and internationally media.
Access to our Research Library and Special Collections is by appointment only.
310.395.2290 or research@santamonicahistory.org
WHAT TO EXPLORE
- Special Collections (e.g. rare books & periodicals, school yearbooks, telephone directories and more!)
- Sanborn Maps
- Original architectural street plans
- Old sound recordings
- Outlook newspaper
- Santa Monica city records
- and much more!
Recent Acquisitions Accessions and Collections
We are continually adding to our extensive archival collections by acquiring photos, negatives, books and other materials throughout the year from generous people making donations of their family history or through other sources.
RARE TRACT MAPS
Shortly before the pandemic struck, we were fortunate to receive a realty scrapbook, containing rare tract maps compiled by the Akins Realty Co. of Ocean Park. read more
27,000+
Digitized Images
1,200+ linear feet
Objects
~1,000
Rare Books
30+
Exhibitions
Gift Shop
WAYS TO GIVE
Show your support!
Become a Member
Become a Member Keeping History Alive!
Our mission is to preserve, protect, and promote the history of our community for future generations. By becoming a member, you can help us achieve our goal. Each membership includes great benefits such as early access to exhibition premiers.
Become a Volunteer Our Engine that keeps us running!
Join our fun and compassionate team of volunteers!
We can always use a few more hands around the museum. There are lots of opportunities from greeting guests, helping in the archives, and supporting our events!
TIME
Our several gracious and dedicated volunteers help keep the museum operating. We are always looking for more devoted people.
SUPPORT
There are many ways to support our mission!
GIFT
A special, planned gift affords the opportunity of supporting the museum in many ways, including a perpetual fund in the donors name.