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 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

Featured Team Member

Guest Services Representative

Yvonne Feistman

Yvonne Feistman (she/her) had a short-lived retirement and is pleased to now be a part of the Guest Services team at the MAH. She has a life-long interest in art and artists, culture and history, and a passion for travel and museums. When…

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Featured Team Member

Events & Volunteer Coordinator

Myles Morgan

Myles Morgan (he/him) was born in Los Angeles and had spent time living, working and exploring various cities in the south and on east coast before returning to California and landing in Santa Cruz. Myles has previously worked in the field…

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Featured Team Member

Education Coordinator

Oscar Paz

Oscar Paz (he/him) was born and raised in the land of eternal spring, Guatemala, and brings his passion for teaching to the MAH. Before coming to the MAH, Oscar was teaching Spanish here in Santa Cruz. During weekdays, you can catch him…

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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…

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Featured Team Member

Archives & Library Coordinator

Jessie Durant

Jessie Durant (she/her) earned her BA in History of Art and Visual Culture from UCSC and MLIS from San Jose State. She fell in love with the archival profession when she interned in the MAH archives during graduate school. She is excited…

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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,…

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Meet Us All

Our History

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