Carpinteria Valley Museum of History


The Carpinteria Valley Museum of History is a museum located in Carpinteria, California. It is operated by the non-profit Carpinteria Valley Historical Society primarily through membership dues, memorial donations, endowment income and fund-raising activities. The museum is staffed by volunteer docents.

Exhibits and activities

The museum includes exhibits that reflect the histories of the three cultures that have dwelled in the region: the Chumash people; Spanish and Mexican settlers; and the pioneers. The museum hosts historical photographs that reflect the development of the region as well as artifacts left behind by former inhabitants. The museum's community outreach projects include school tours and children's programs as well as lectures offered to the general population, arts and crafts fairs and monthly flea markets. Its gift shop offers memorabilia and books.
The museum also houses the non-circulating C. Horace Coshow research library which includes books, maps, newspaper archives, historical photographs and 246 taped interviews about the area with older residents.