About The Santa Paula Historical Society
We were organized in 1977 following the celebration of the city’s centennial platting in 1875 and the nation’s bicentennial in 1976. The founding 11 Directors were descendants of pioneers or long-time residents, in a range of ages, many of whom continue to serve.
Our purpose continues to be fulfilled by these projects and programs:
- Maintaining and operating the Archives, where historical materials donated to the Society are properly catalogued and stored for both research purposes and use in public exhibitions.
- Scanning, cataloging and storing the Society’s collection of over 1,000 vintage photographs.
- Interviewing, taping and transcribing oral histories of local individuals.
- Recognizing individuals with annual awards for their outstanding restoration projects or maintenance of local historical buildings.
- Mounting three annual history-related exhibits in the Society’s Lou Hengehold Memorial Gallery at the California Oil Museum using historical memorabilia drawn from the Archives and private collections.
- Acting as a local history information resource for the City and Chamber of Commerce.
- Contributing financial or resource support to compatible nonprofit historic or educational projects.
- Providing research services and copies from the photograph collection.
Our Mission Statement:
“To preserve, protect and perpetuate the history of Santa Paula and its environs.”
Search Our Archives
Publications available for purchase:
Santa Paula, California
History from 1870s to 1930
as seen through Vintage photographs with captions
Glancing Through the Headlines,
1917-1924
Local history as told through the eyes and pen of the Editor/publisher of the Santa Paula Chronicle
We encourage or welcome:
Out right gifts of artifacts, items and so forth related to Santa Paula; or the opportunity to scan vintage photos and return originals to the owners.
The city of Santa Paula, California, 1888.