Join us for Live! at the Museum

June 9th from 12 noon till 2pm.

Wolf biologist Jay Mallonee is going to be speaking about wolves and their habitats. The presentation will begin with a self-introduction and a brief overview of Jay’s work with wild wolves and other animals. It will be followed by a slightly in-depth presentation via video, PowerPoint of his 10+ years in the field studying the Fish Trap Pack of Montana (the longest wild wolf field study in the Western Hemisphere), how wolves live and the state of wild wolves in the U.S. A small supplemental overview will feature information on the recently returned wolves in Northeastern California .

The presentation generally runs about 2 hrs. and is geared primarily for interested teens and adults.

Donations will be gratefully accepted as Jay does not generally charge for these presentations. This will be the same presentation given to the California State Fish and Wildlife Commission, his college classes, and to a variety of interested groups.

Come join the fun at the 4th annual Summer Solstice Festival

The Summer Solstice Festival takes place at the Natural History Museum of Santa Maria on Saturday, June 16th from 11 am – 3 pm at 412 S. McClelland St. Near the Town Center Mall and across the street from the Santa Maria Public Library. Help us celebrate the official kickoff of summer, the end of spring and the longest day of the year on our planet. As always, there is FREE admission.

There will be vendor booths along with games and entertainment for the entire family! The festival includes Arts, Music, and Crafts from local artists and groups. There will also be demonstrations about bees and bird habitats and much more. There will be entertainment including Mr. Biggers Ukulele Band and exercise fun with Hoop Works and the MC for the event is provided by A Class Act… A variety of food and refreshments will also be available at the festival.

Bring your spare change to help us launch this year’s Penny Project. Our goal is to raise $10,000. With your support, we can continue to grow the Natural History Museum’s educational outreach programs and provide much-needed updating and repair to the Renovation Project currently going on at the Natural History Museum.

The event is generously supported by our Major Sponsors: Community Bank of Santa Maria, CIO Solutions, Smith Alarms & Electronics, Jack’s Restaurant in Old Orcutt, Next Day Signs, Coast Hills Federal Credit Union, Home Depot, Moss, Levy & Hartzheim LLP, Norwex, Kohl’s, CenCal Web Design, City of Santa Maria Public Library, The City of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Dept. and Utilities Dept., Local Copies etc., Mega 97.1, Noble Productions and A Class Act Entertainment.

 Are You A Nature Lover?

The Natural History Museum is currently accepting applications for new Docents & Volunteers. We’re a 100% volunteer based organization and operate year round through the contributions and efforts of those who support the NHM with their time and enthusiasm for the Natural World. If you have an interest in becoming a Docent or volunteer for the Natural History Museum we would like to talk with you. No experience is necessary. Just a willingness to learn and share your love of Natural History.

Prospective Docents need to be at least 18 years of age. If you’re a teen age nature lover we are also accepting applications for High School students for our new VolunTeen program.

All prospective volunteers will be subject to background screen and interview.

If you’d like to get involved with the Natural History Museum please contact us here to fill out an application.

Also come like our Facebook Fan Page!

This Is How Our Garden Grows…

The Native Garden at the Natural History Museum of Santa Maria is in full bloom. It has been a few years since the opening of the Native Garden and we’re very excited with the progress and growth of the garden. The pictures don’t tell the whole story. You have to come see it and smell all the wonderful scents for yourself!

Calling All Collectors

Are you a collector? Do you have an amazing collection you would like to share with the public? The Natural History Museum of Santa Maria is looking for collections to feature in our collectors exhibit. Collection submissions can range from the natural history focused to the whimsical or traditional.

If you’re interested in sharing your collection with us, please contact us here with a brief summary of your collection along with photos.