History Forum

Are you intrigued by our ever-expanding Santa Cruz county history? Become a member of our fun and venturesome group of local history supporters!

Join or renew your History Forum membership for 2023 and enjoy guest speakers, tours, and more!

Register by Mail

Click here to download, complete and return a membership form with a check.

The Santa Cruz History Forum is a membership support group based out of the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History (MAH).

Since its inception in the 1990s, the History Forum has sponsored nearly 100 history talks and field trips while annually celebrating an outstanding local historian. It has provided over $25,000 in grants to local historians thanks to the Dolkas/Mertz endowment named for the group’s founders, James Dolkas and Karl Mertz. You can help maintain this positive momentum by becoming a member. Annual dues are set at $65 per person.

Mission Statement

Santa Cruz History Forum activities enhance our understanding and enjoyment of historical and cultural locations, people, and artifacts throughout Santa Cruz County.

  • Each quarterly event consists of a compelling presentation on local history at the MAH.
  • We sponsor field trips and walking tours to significant sites.
  • We promote scholarly, relevant research that encourages public engagement with local history. This is made possible by our Dolkas/Mertz Endowment Fund of over $90,000.
  • Each November, we present the MAH with a check to support history programs. The amount is based on total contributions from our membership dues.
2023 Dolkas-Mertz Award
Presented by the History Forum in partnership with the MAH, the Dolkas-Mertz Award is a competitive research grant awarded annually for original projects that promote the understanding of the history of the Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay Area both in the area of intellectual research (publishing: writing/photographic, video, voice) and material structure (objects/buildings). Nominations and applications for the 2023 Dolkas-Mertz Award are now open through October 1, 2023.
Download Application