About Us
Our Mission
The Santa Monica History Museum’s mission is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of Santa Monica for generations to come.
Our Vision
The Santa Monica History Museum is the steward of the rich history of the Santa Monica Bay area. We are committed to enriching our community by providing public access to our extensive collection with interpretive exhibitions, public programs, community partnerships and through archival and research services.
The Santa Monica History Museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowable by law. Tax ID: 95-3019295
“This museum is an important repository for the Santa Monica Bay Area. Its historical collections serve the educational, archival and research mission of the museum.”
– Mark Roosa
Huntington Library, Pasadena/ Library of Congress Consultant, “Preservation & Access Plan,” SMHSM, 1997
The museum, one of the largest in the country for a city the size of Santa Monica, has grown far beyond expectations with an expansive collection of of artifacts, photographs and memorabilia. Thousands of hours have been dedicated to public education and museum services.
our story
SANTA MONICA HISTORY MUSEUM
In 1975, as Santa Monica celebrated its 100th birthday, public interest grew to learn more about and preserve the history of Santa Monica after the Historical Activities Committee of the Centennial held an exhibition of local history at the Civic Auditorium. As a result, on October 8, 1975 in the Santa Monica Public Library, they held the founding meeting of the Santa Monica Historical Society with their goal to collect, preserve, and be the caretaker of the history.
1975
Santa Monica Historical Society formed
1988
Santa Monica Historical Society Museum opens
KEY PLAYERS
ANN FUNK
Ann Funk chaired the Historical Activities Committee and coordinated the exhibit at the Civic Auditorium, was the founding Chairwoman of the Historical Society.
CLO HOOVER
Clo Hoover, first woman Mayor of Santa Monica, was the first president of the Historical Society.
LOUISE GABRIEL
Louise Gabriel, one of the founders and incorporators of the Historical Society, founded the Santa Monica Historical Society Museum for the collections to be displayed and shared with the public.
Accomplishments
About Louise
Our Founders
Founded in 1988 by Louise Gabriel and her husband Bob, it was originally named the Santa Monica Historical Society. Bob and Louise both served on the Santa Monica Centennial Committee. Louise, who was one of the founders and incorporators of the Society, took the lead to start a museum to share with the public the exciting collections gathered together the first few years.
With very little funds in the organization, the Gabriels worked for three years on the development, establishment and operation of a museum. Bob drummed up supporters while Louise, in her search, was able to get office furniture, display cases and other needs donated by businesses.
It took vision, determination, struggle and tireless effort to make the museum a reality. Louise and Bob showed their love for Santa Monica by giving over 50 years of community service in the city. Louise served the museum as a full-time President, pro-bono, for 27 years with help from volunteers, and staff.
Our Story
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Today
The Museum offers six galleries, a research library and over six hundred thousand rare photographs – one of the largest collections in Southern California. The museum serves people of all ages and is handicap-accessible and offers tours, exhibits, special events, lectures, children’s workshops and research services. Free docent‐led tours to school classrooms and youth groups are also available.
Our Staff
Susan Potter President
Susan provides overall guidance and input on all functions of the Museum including board development. She is a member of the museum founding family, and has helped nurture and grow our institution since its creation in 1975.
Contact Susan at president@santamonicahistory.org
Rob Schwenker Executive Director
Rob oversees museum operations including development, education, public programming, finance, external communications and staffing.
Contact Rob at robschwenker@santamonicahistory.org
Sara Crown, MSLIS Archivist
Sara oversees the museum’s photograph archives and other collections, facilitates photo reprint and research inquiries, and is the primary contact for group tours.
Contact Sara at scrown@santamonicahistory.org
Lisa Dannenbaum Social Media • Visual Content Manager
Lisa oversees content creation and post production for the museum’s media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok, YouTube and the SMHM Center for Oral History.
Contact Lisa at ldannenbaum@santamonicahistory.org