Santa Barbara Historical Museum

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General Information

The Museum, constructed in 1965 by the Santa Barbara Historical Society which was founded in 1932, has spent over three decades exhibiting the city's artistic and cultural heritage. Touring the Historical Museum enables visitors to see a wide array of unique artifacts, photographs, furnishings and textiles dating from the 15th century.

Santa Barbara's rich multicultural history is represented with artifacts from Chumash, Spanish, Mexican, "Yankee" and Chinese culture. The Gledhill Library contains rare literary and visual documents including 50,000 historic photographs. Two early 19th century buildings, the 1817 Casa Covarrubias and the 1836 Historic Adobe are adjacent to the Museum.

Admission
Free, donations appreciated

Museum Hours
Tues.- Sat. 10am-5pm, Sun. 12-5pm, closed Mon

Museum Library Hours
Tues.-Fri.10am-4pm; First Saturday of each month,

10am-1pm;
closed weekends/Mondays

Director of Research Michael Redmon may be directly e-mailed at mredmon@sbhistorical.org.
Also, a vast repository of historical and cultural material, and a book catalog can be viewed at www.centralcoastmuseums.org.

Fernald Mansion & Trussell-Winchester Adobe
A beautiful Queen Anne style Victorian home built in the early 1860's by Judge Charles Fernald and an 1854 adobe that marks the transition from Mexican to American rule. These historical homes are located at 414 West Montecito Street with the cross street of Castillo. Guided tours for both homes are given every Saturday, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Large group tours are given by appointment by calling (805) 966-1601 x 108.

Docents
Share your love of history and community by joining the Society's docent program. Please call the Museum for further information on how to become a docent.

Programs
The SBHM offers many cultural and educational programs including slide lectures and local history tours. To make reservations for your group program or tour, please call Robin Rene Roe at (805) 966-1601, ext. 108 or e-mail at education@sbhistorical.org.

Membership
Special events, exhibition openings and publications available to members and a 20% discount in the Museum Store. To inquire about becoming a member, please call Jeanne Buchanan at ext. 110 or e-mail at membership@sbhistorical.org.

The Legacy Society

The Legacy Society has been established to recognize donors who have made a provision in their estate plans for the Santa Barbara Historical Museum. A planned gift provides a lasting legacy assisting the Museum in our mission to promote an appreciation and understanding of Santa Barbara’s history. (805) 966-1601.

Museum Store
An extensive selection of books devoted to Santa Barbara including Chumash, Mission, and cultural history of the region.

Facilities Rental
For detailed information and rental fees, please contact (805) 966-1601 or rentals@sbhistorical.org.

Directions:

North Bound: US 101 to Garden Street. Left on Garden, Left on Gutierrez Street. One block to Santa Barbara Street. Turn Right on Santa Barbara. Continue up Santa Barbara to De La Guerra and turn Left.

South Bound: US 101 to Carrillo Street. Left on Carrillo to Anacapa Street. Right on Anacapa, then Left on De la Guerra Street.

Preserving Santa Barbara's Rich Cultural Heritage

Phone 805-966-1601
Fax 805-966-1603

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