Santa Cruz City Museum of Natural History, Santa Cruz

The Santa Cruz City Museum of Natural History, commonly referred to by locals as the "whale museum," stands as one of California's oldest museums, deeply rooted in the region's history and natural heritage. The museum originally emerged from the passionate endeavors of Laura Hecox, a native of Santa Cruz born in 1854, who dedicated her life to the natural sciences from an early age. Her extensive personal collection, which she generously deeded to the City of Santa Cruz in 1904, became the cornerstone for the city’s first public museum. Officially opened on August 21, 1905, in the basement of the newly constructed Carnegie Library-a building funded by the philanthropic efforts of the Carnegie Foundation-the museum has flourished over the years.

The early exhibits were a diverse and rich portrayal of natural and cultural artifacts, showcasing everything from dried sea stars and crustaceans to Native American baskets, Eskimo items, minerals, and various biological specimens. The collection was temporarily housed at the Santa Cruz High School starting in 1917, reflecting its growing need for space and better facilities.

Significant expansions over the years have included the development of outdoor exhibit kiosks in 1984 on the Santa Cruz Wharf, where displays highlight marine life, local fishing history, and the wharf’s own story. In 1986, further diversification of its educational offerings led to the establishment of the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum as a satellite facility, located at the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse. This facility, renowned for its collection of historical surfboards and photographs, draws approximately 70,000 visitors annually, illustrating the museum's ongoing appeal and its pivotal role in the cultural and educational landscape of Santa Cruz.

Today, housed in the historic Carnegie Library, the Santa Cruz City Museum of Natural History continues to engage and educate the public, preserving and presenting a vast array of specimens and artifacts that reflect the natural and archaeological richness of the region. It remains a testament to the vision and dedication of Laura Hecox and the continuous support of the community.