Inspiring a Passion for the Natural World

Serving Santa Barbara from Mission Creek to the Pacific Ocean, the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History's main campus (above) is located at 2559 Puesta del Sol Road just beyond the Old Mission. The Ty Warner Sea Center (below) is owned and operated by the Museum and is located on Stearns Wharf. Both facilities are open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM.

CELEBRATING 90 YEARS YOUNG : 1916-2006

In January 2006, the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History celebrates 90 years of service as a community partner to Santa Barbara and the surrounding area. Since its inception in 1916, the Museum has preserved our natural history heritage; and today, the Museum has more than 3.5 million objects and specimens. These collections form the foundations from which the modern sciences of biology, geology, and anthropology evolved. More importantly, these collections evoke awe and wonder in both children and adults when they encounter the amazing things that make up the world in which we live. The experience with the natural world is a magical moment that creates a powerful desire to know more. This curiosity is ultimately the motivating force for education.

FINDING ADVENTURE THROUGH EDUCATION

The Museum's educational programs, both at its main campus in Mission Canyon and at the Ty Warner Sea Center, provide a unique adventure for more than 45,000 school children each year. Visiting students enjoy in dynamic science programs that provide focused learning opportunities aligned with California State Science and Social Studies Standards. Every child receives a "family pass" so that they can come back to the Museum or Sea Center with their family to share a unique encounter with nature.

The Museum also offers children's programs that further develop the passion for science and nature. Beginning with Tykes Adventures, toddlers and their parents learn about the magic of nature with stories, games, puppetry, and special hands-on activities that delight and engage budding scientists. Nature Adventures offers elementary children classes, camps, and workshops all year round to provide them with opportunities to experiment, experience, and observe the natural world, while engaging in the scientific process. As children become young adults, the Museum offers Quasars to Sea Stars, a unique four-year, work-based science education program for teens ages 13-18 years. Students work closely with our education and scientific staff to learn about astronomy, entomology, herpetology, marine biology, and a broad range of other sciences, with an emphasis on developing science knowledge and research methodology.

SUSTAINING SCIENCE WORLDWIDE

In addition to being mentors to our future naturalists, the Museum's curators and research staff are part of a worldwide network of scientists who work hard to help document and understand the fascinating diversity of living things that surround us. The discoveries our scientists make and the natural history collections they preserve are of indispensable importance for understanding biodiversity, how various environments are constructed, and how we can contribute to the protection and preservation of our natural world.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

As a private, nonprofit organization that does not receive local, state, or federal government funding for our operations, the Museum depends on the generosity of the community and we greatly appreciate your support. About two-thirds of the Museum's budget comes from attendance, memberships, and contributions. We are grateful to our trustees, staff, volunteers, members, and donors. With your support we are able to share the passion for the natural world with thousands of visitors, school children, and scientists each year. We continue to be a center of the community where all can experience the wonders of nature at our extraordinary campuses.

Becoming members of the Museum is just one way to support this Santa Barbara's treasure - and your membership provides benefits at both the Museum and the Sea Center - two facilities for the price of one. Your membership supports our natural history collections, continues our great scientific research, maintains our award-winning education programs, and brings in creative new exhibitions all year long.