MUSEUM HISTORY
In 1975 the City of Santa Monica celebrated its centennial with citywide activities honoring its history. Historical parades, musical performances, and exhibits generated great enthusiasm and interest in the community for the formation of the Santa Monica Historical Society to collect and preserve the history of Santa Monica. The Historical Society was officially founded that same year in 1975. After years of collecting artifacts, photographs and memorabilia, Louise Gabriel, President of the Society, founded the Santa Monica Historical Society Museum in 1988 to showcase its collections through exhibitions and educational programs. Over a 22-year period, the Historical Society Museum had three temporary locations in Santa Monica. In 2010, the museum opened its new permanent facility at the Santa Monica Main Public Library and changed its name to the Santa Monica History Museum.