The MAH is more than a museum—we're a hub for collaboration, bringing together artists, historians, and community partners to create lasting impact. Your MAH Membership helps turn this vision into reality.
This week, we’re taking you behind the scenes to reveal the impact of your membership— showcasing the youth education initiatives you help sustain.
The MAH’s education program is all about bringing creativity and fun to learning! We offer a variety of exciting resources for local students and teachers, like free downloadable history lesson plans for grades 3–12, both online and in-person field trips, and our popular MAH Trunks: interactive kits filled with hands-on activities for kids from kindergarten through 12th grade. These resources, plus so much more, are all designed to make Santa Cruz County’s history, art, and culture come to life.
We caught up with Leo Colletta, Assistant Education Coordinator and Humanities EXCEL Fellow at the MAH, to talk about their work with the museum’s youth programs and the lasting impression these experiences leave on local students.
Leo wanted to share one particularly memorable moment from their time so far at the MAH. It was during a recent in-person school tour, with a new lesson plan he designed himself, focused on Santa Cruz culture and history. The visiting group was quite young, and Leo quickly realized that none of the students knew what the word culture meant. Rather than seeing this as an obstacle, Leo embraced it as a teaching opportunity. Through lively discussion and hands-on activities, Leo helped the group piece together the meaning— realizing himself just how intuitive the concept of culture is, even for young learners. “It was amazing to witness that learning process.”
Creating a space where kids feel safe to explore new ideas and express themselves is at the core of the MAH’s work, especially when it comes to topics like art, history, and community engagement. One of the most heartwarming responses Leo received came from a teacher whose class was so inspired by the tour that every student wrote a thank-you letter. Each one shared what they learned and even included a drawing. “It was a huge packet of letters,” Leo recalled, smiling. “I still have them at home. That kind of feedback really stays with you.”
As lesson plans evolve and new creative activities are introduced, the need for updated supplies and thoughtful planning grows. Thanks to the generosity of MAH members, we’re able to extend these programs to classrooms and communities throughout Santa Cruz County. Your contributions make it possible to offer the kind of meaningful, hands-on education that helps students connect with the world around them.
By supporting the MAH, you’re helping create lasting memories— and a lifelong appreciation for culture and community— in the next generation.