NATURAL HISTORY

From the moment that the Natural History Museum doors opened in October, 1999 citizens came forth offering gifts and loans of taxidermy and collections to make the Museum come to life. Local geology expert Ralph Bishop was the first donor. He saw value in having a showcase for his interesting and extensive collection of regional Ice-Age local fossils... The original non-profit while called a "Museum" did not have a collection or location. The project began with encouragement from the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. Their 3rd grade Birds in Your Backyard Curriculum was adapted and circulated free of charge in the Santa Maria elementary schools along with all the supplies needed to do 14 daily experiments. This became The Natural History Museum's first traveling nature kit. The Museum hired a naturalist, Caroline Woods, to travel to the classrooms at the conclusion of the curriculum to conclude the lesson and introduce the students to "live" birds. (usually a rehabilitated..

Also known as: Natural History Museum

Primary location: Santa Maria United States