About the MAH

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The Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (MAH) is a thriving community gathering place that offers a full slate of art and history exhibitions, visual and performing artworks, public festivals, education and outreach programs, and cultural celebrations in collaboration with our many partners.

Our vision is to ignite shared experiences and unexpected connections that enrich our community.

To achieve that, our mission is to bring people together through art and local history to explore our diverse cultures. We are guided by the following values:

• Engagement & Collaboration
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility
• Innovation & Experimentation
• Excellence & Rigor
• Accountability, Integrity & Responsibility

Read MAH 2026, our latest strategic plan.

A portrait in numbers

These statistics paint an interesting picture of the MAH. Get the full view by reading our 2022-23 Annual Report.

Visitors

17,000

2011

85,000

2023

Budget

$700K

2011

$2.0M

2023

Events

25

2011

200

2023

The People of the MAH

Jamilli03
Featured Team Member

Guest Services Representative

Jamilli Pacheco-Urquiza

Jamilli Pacheco-Urquiza (he/they) hails from New Jersey. He is currently working towards his M.F.A. in Social Documentation at UC Santa Cruz. When not at school or at the museum, they like to read, cook, and watch movies. Their favorite…
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Tahnee
Featured Team Member

Programs Coordinator

Tahnee Henningsen

Tahnee Henningsen (she/her) received her BA in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, where she developed a passion for community psychology and social justice. Tahnee is Concow, Maidu and an enrolled Mooretown Rancheria…
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Shanti Nagwani
Featured Team Member

Preparator

Shanti Nagwani

Shanti Nagwani (she/her) earned her BA in Art from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She is a public artist, painter, printmaker, muralist, henna artist, art instructor, and ceramicist. As a visual artist, Shanti provides a…
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Miles Backer
Featured Team Member

Guest Services Representative

Miles Backer

Miles Backer (he/him) is a recent graduate from UCSC with a major in history and minor in anthropology, specializing in the ancient world and the concept of magic. He hopes to eventually curate historical wonders and inspire new ways of…
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Mah headshot 2
Featured Team Member

Exhibitions Manager

Natalie Jenkins

Natalie Jenkins (she/her/they/them) received an MFA in Visual Art from the University of California, Riverside, after studying Fine Art and Craft with an emphasis on Woodworking at the Oregon College of Art and Craft. As a visual artist…
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Jessi Bond
Featured Team Member

Rentals & Events Manager

Jessi Bond

Jessi Bond (she/her) holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater Arts from the University of California, Santa Cruz. With over two decades of experience in event management, Jessi has cultivated a wealth of expertise. Her professional…
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Meet Us All

Our History

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The Evolution of the MAH

From our humble beginnings to the dynamic space we are today, the MAH has adapted to meet the needs of Santa Cruz County.

Dig into our history of partnerships, perseverance, and resilience to discover how we became one of the country's most creative and forward-thinking community museums.

Our Story

Work at the MAH

Join the crew behind Santa Cruz County’s most creative events, exhibitions, and partnerships. Check out job opportunities or apply to be a volunteer or intern today.

Careers
Other Ways to Get Involved