Carpinteria Valley Historical Society

“The carpinteria valley museum of history's unique exhibits examine the three major cultures that have made this valley their home: chumash indians, spanish and mexican settlers, and american and immigrant pioneers. Museum exhibits include native american chumash material culture artifacts; spanish & mexican rancho era objects; victorian home furnishings; 19th century farm house kitchen; farming and blacksmith implements and saddles; one-room schoolhouse; early oil development and asphalt mining; agricultural history; world war i; 19th century business office equipment; early transportation vehicles; dolls & toys, and more. The museum's research library and archives hold collections of books, maps, ledgers & records, newspapers, clippings, articles and ephemera on all aspects of valley life, including homes & settlement, businesses, military, social organizations, etc. Also, a rare collection of over 8,000 fully indexed historic photographs. A special collection of 265 oral history tape recordings document first-person accounts of life in carpinteria. Exhibits are open to the public tuesday through saturday from 1 until 4 p.m. Each afternoon. The research library is open to the public by appointment.”

“The carpinteria valley museum of history's collections concentrate on locally relevant historical material and objects which reflect the three major cultures that have made this valley their home: chumash indians, spanish and mexican colonizers, and american and immigrant pioneers. Categories include native american chumash material culture artifacts; spanish & mexican rancho era objects; victorian home furnishings; clothing and textiles; 19th century farm house kitchen and household implements; farming and blacksmith tools & implements; one-room schoolhouse & educational materials; early oil development and asphalt mining; agricultural history; 19th century business office equipment & signs; early transportation saddles, tack, & vehicles; dolls & toys, hunting & sporting goods; military and law enforcement; and more. The museum=s research library and archives hold collections of books, maps, ledgers & records, newspapers, clippings, articles and ephemera on all aspects of valley life, including homes & settlement, businesses & agriculture, military, social organizations, family histories & genealogies. Also, a rare collection of over 6,000 fully indexed historic photographs and a special collection of 265 oral history tape recordings document first-person accounts of life in carpinteria valley. These collections further our mission to operate and maintain a free museum and research library in order to systematically collect, preserve, interpret, and exhibit historical objects, artifacts, documents, and other items of historic significance as they relate to the carpinteria valley; and to provide for the public study, education, and enjoyment of these collections, all of which supports our exempt status as a 501(c)(3) educational organization.”