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Museum · Santa Maria, California
Santa Maria Valley Historical Museum
Santa Maria Valley Historical Society Museum on South Broadway. It tells the history of the valley’s peoples, ranches, farms and schools and includes a section dedicated to Santa Maria barbecue.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Santa Maria Valley Historical Museum
The Santa Maria Valley Historical Society Museum is on South Broadway, Santa Maria’s main avenue, next to the chamber of commerce, which also serves as a visitor information center. The historical society was founded in 1955, on the city’s fiftieth anniversary, and opened the museum at this address in the 1970s.
The society’s mission is to collect and present the history of all the valley’s peoples. The holdings cover ranches, dairy and vegetable farms, rural schools and the daily life of the families who formed the city.
One section is dedicated to Santa Maria barbecue, a ranch tradition that became the city’s trademark. Rooms are organized by theme, with items from old schools such as a school bell, farm records and everyday objects from valley life.
The museum also sells books and vintage photographs about local history, useful for anyone who wants to learn more about the valley before touring the area.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour.
Best time
Late morning or afternoon. The museum is usually open Tuesday through Saturday; check days and hours before you go.
How to get there
It’s on South Broadway in downtown Santa Maria. From US-101, take the Stowell Road exit, head west and turn right onto Broadway.
Tip
Combine the visit with a Santa Maria-style barbecue lunch and stop by the chamber of commerce next door to pick up maps for the valley wine route.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Santa Maria Valley Historical Museum
What is in the Santa Maria historical museum?
Exhibits about the ranches, farms, rural schools and the Santa Maria barbecue, arranged by theme.
When is the Santa Maria Valley Historical Society Museum open?
It is usually open Tuesday through Saturday in the afternoon. Check hours before you go.
Where is the Santa Maria historical museum?
On South Broadway, in the city center, next to the valley chamber of commerce.