Santa Barbara Historical Museum

 

History Happy Hour at Home They Came, They Saw, They Shelled: The 80th Anniversary of the Ellwood Shelling By Neal Graffy Wednesday, February 23 5:00 PM Location: ZOOM Grab a glass and join us for this presentation in your living room by historian Neal Graffy.   On February 23, 1942, just two months and sixteen days after the attack at Pearl Harbor, the I-17, a Japanese submarine, surfaced in the Santa Barbara Channel and shelled the oil facilities at Ellwood. The presentation reveals the rich history of Ellwood, the mission of the I-17, and the legend of an act of revenge by the sub’s commander. In addition, Mr. Graffy will discuss the postwar history and untold history of the Timbers Restaurant.  Neal Graffy has given voice to local history with over 400 presentations. He has authored numerous books and co-authored two novels set in historic Santa Barbara. Register HERE

After Hours 1st Thursday Thursday, March 3 5:00 - 7:00 PM Enjoy the museum after hours with wine and music by guitarist Tony Ybarra. No RSVP needed. Bring a friend!

Celebrate New Exhibitions Celebration Thursday, March 10 5:30 - 7:00 PM You are invited to join us to [officially] welcome our new exhibitions: Register HERE

Huguette Marcelle Clark A Portrait of the Artist Many have been captivated by the stories of heiress Huguette Clark and her famed summer home in Santa Barbara, Bellosguardo, but few realize she was a talented artist. Trained by renowned portraitist Tadé Styka, she built a deep body of work throughout her long life, which has not been exhibited in nearly 100 years.  In collaboration with Bellosguardo Foundation 

Lockwood de Forest Lighting the Way In honor of Kathleen and Oswald Da Ros, we share a collection of artwork by Lockwood de Forest. Lockwood de Forest was a successful landscapist and also an acclaimed interior designer, known for his furniture with Middle Eastern and Indian influences. A prodigious traveler, he began visiting Santa Barbara in 1902 and eventually settled here living out the rest of his life.  De Forest received formal training in Rome and was heavily influenced by the Hudson River School of painting. 

Exhibition Talk Huguette Clark By Bill Dedman Wednesday, March 16 5:30 PM Location: Museum Courtyard Join Bill Dedman, author of the best-selling biography of Huguette Clark, Empty Mansions: The Mysterious Life of Huguette Clark and the Spending of a Great American Fortune. Mr. Dedman, a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter, will offer his latest findings on this fascinating woman.  Register HERE

Talk: Women's History Month Women in the 19teens By Betsy J. Green Wednesday, March 30 5:30 PM Location: Museum Courtyard Great changes were on the horizon for women as the second decade of the 1900s opened. The corsets and bustles of decades past gave way to the new freedoms of modern dress. The spread of electricity and of new appliances helped relieve the drudgery of housework while at the same time opportunities in the workplace multiplied. And, towards the end of the decade, women got the vote and even went to war. Betsy J. Green is the author of the “Way Back When” series, which celebrate the yearly social history of Santa Barbara. She authors a Santa Barbara Independent column, entitled “The Great House Detective.”  Register HERE

Exhibition Talk Lockwood de Forest By Jeremy Tessmer Wednesday, April 6 5:30 PM Location: Museum Courtyard Join art historian Jeremey Tessmer as he takes a personal look at one of Santa Barbara’s most acclaimed artists. Mr. Tessmer is the gallery director at Sullivan Goss - An American Gallery. Register HERE

Watch Past History Talks

The Museum is open Wednesdays 12-5pm, Thursdays 12-7pm, Fridays 12-5pm, Saturdays 12-5pm, and Sundays 12-5pm.