“A treasure!  A gem!  A place I love and I hope you do, too!”

For generations the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History has inspired those who have visited this wonderful place. Just like you, the Santa Cruz Museum holds a special place in my heart.

I first visited the Museum of Natural History as a child.  Like many of Santa Cruz’s young people, the Museum was where I learned about local natural history.  Sitting at the feet of a dedicated docent, I listened with interest to the stories, and gazed with wonder at the objects and artifacts around me.  I know that for many of us in our community, we share this similar childhood experience.

The 108-year-old Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History is a community treasure that thrives because of support from the community.  During this time the Museum has become part of Santa Cruz’s community identity and conscientiousness.  Gifts from the community are essential to sustaining the Museum’s continued brilliance in our community.  Every year we make an appeal to potential supporters to help raise funds to continue providing this community service.  Our Annual Appeal Goal this year is to raise $150,000 and we ask you to help us reach this.

Your support ensures that the Museum will continue to captivate learners of all ages, for generations to come.  Our Mission to Connect People with Nature, and Inspire Stewardship of the Natural World is brought to the community because of local supporters.  I hope we can count on you. In anticipation of your gift, Thank You!

This year has been exciting for the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History.  The Staff, Volunteers, and Board of Directors all worked hard during this year of success, accomplishment, and significant achievement.  Here are just a few of the things we accomplished:

–Natural history collections of over 16,000 artifacts received from the City of Santa Cruz

–The needs of the collections and Museum building assessed and prioritized in a comprehensive report

–Opened new seasonal exhibits: Art of Nature and Keen Eyes and Curious Minds: Exploring the Lives and Works of Local Naturalists Daniel Miller and Randall Morgan

–Participation in our school programs increased with over 7,000 students served in 2012

–Our 3rd grade, Neary Lagoon Wetland Walk program was awarded the inaugural Superintendent of Education Award for Excellence in Museum Education

–Pogonip Interpretation program, a field class in restoration for high school students, was launched and the Sandhills program continues to grow.

–Families in Nature Saturday series, summer classes and camps all continued; and added a July 4^th celebration featuring Laura Hecox, the Museum’s 1904 Founder

–Exciting after-hours Movies at the Museum; Weird Science series, with experts exploring the facts behind popular science fiction films

We have plans to make the year ahead equally as exciting!  Your community treasure holds within it a collection of objects and artifacts that are waiting to be discovered.  Join with us on this journey. Please support the Museum with your financial contribution.

Growing up in Santa Cruz, I was inspired, educated, and encouraged by the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History.  It has been a truly rewarding experience to support the Museum at this significant time in its history.  You, too, can be a supporter of this continuing legacy.

In order to reach our goal this year, consider making a financial contribution to the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History.  Please take a moment now to make a tax-deductible donation to our 2012 annual giving campaign.   Send back your contribution in the enclosed envelope or you can give online at santacruzmuseums.org.  Thank you for your generosity and shared appreciation for our community gem, the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History.

With Gratitude,

Rainbow Mitchell-Fox
President, Board of Directors
Santa Cruz Museum Association

Rainbow, age 6

P.S.  We are trying new ways to engage people with nature.  Keep in touch with us to learn about all of the exciting new opportunities at the Museum through our website (santacruzmuseums.org).  We welcome your thoughts and ideas for the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, your community museum.