About the MAH

Jump to

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 2021-22 Annual Report.

Visitors

17,000

2011

85,000

2022

Budget

$700K

2011

$1.8 Mil.

2020

Events

25

2011

600

2020

The People of the MAH

LRK 8110
Featured Team Member

Director of Development & Communications

Nikki Patterson

Nikki Patterson (she/her) has 6 years of nonprofit and development experience in Santa Cruz as well as over 10 years of management and consulting work in the hospitality/food & beverage industry. Other professional attributes include…
Read Bio
MAH Staff Portraits 2020 Whitney Ford Terry2
Featured Team Member

Curator & Exhibitions Manager

Everett Ó Cillín

Everett Ó Cillín (they/them) received an MA in Museology from the University of Washington after studying Film and Philosophy at Humboldt State University. Everett has had the opportunity to work in a variety of non-profits and museums…
Read Bio
Maddi Bennett
Featured Team Member

Guest Services Representative

Madeleine Bennett

Madeleine Bennett (she/her) is currently in her final year at UCSC as an anthropology major. Community is very important to her and outside of the MAH she volunteers at the local women’s and family center. When she’s not working she enjoys…
Read Bio
Jenna Staff Portrait 18
Featured Team Member

Membership Coordinator

Jenna Clancy

Jenna Clancy (she/her) was born and raised in Los Angeles before heading to the University of Colorado Boulder for college. She graduated with a degree in Psychology and spent a decade exploring the Rockies before making her way to Santa…
Read Bio
Sarah Fisher
Featured Team Member

Guest Services Representative

Sarah Fisher

Sarah Fisher (they/them) came from the East Bay and is currently a UCSC student in their last year studying history of art and visual culture with interests in contemporary arts. They are also an artists who enjoys the acrylic, pen,…
Read Bio
LRK 8087
Featured Team Member

Systems Coordinator

Robert Ojeda

Robert Ojeda (he/him) earned his bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of California in Riverside. Prior to arriving at the MAH Robert worked in the financial industry before choosing to focus on his calling for building…
Read Bio
Meet Us All

Our History

History Image 09

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