Our mission is to preserve and share the history of the San Lorenzo Valley. This we do by collecting and exhibiting artifacts, gathering historical information, and providing education through the San Lorenzo Valley Museum and our educational outreach programs.
We believe that sharing the region’s cultural history increases a sense of belonging and connectedness, which in turn will lead to stronger civic engagement.
The first Board of Directors, Ralph Wilcox, Walt Bachrach, and John Holm, founded the Boulder Creek Historical Society in March 1976. The first museum was the Boulder Creek Museum and for twenty years it resided in a second floor office just outside of downtown Boulder Creek. Through a generous bequest, the Boulder Creek Historical Society was able to purchase the original Grace Episcopal Church building residing in what was originally the town of Lorenzo, situated between Brookdale and Boulder Creek. Renovations had to he completed to bring the all old-growth redwood structure up to current building codes. In December 1999 the Boulder Creek Historical Society officially opened its new San Lorenzo Valley Museum, broadening its scope from just Boulder Creek to preserving the history of the entire San Lorenzo Valley. The Society has been sharing the region's rich history, natural history, and works by local artists at the Grace Episcopal Gallery of the San Lorenzo Valley Museum since then. In 2012, the name of the Society was officially changed to the San Lorenzo Valley Historical Society.
In 2020, the Society opened a new gallery in the Faye G. Belardi Memorial Building in Felton with a goal to increase the number and diversity of the exhibitions curated. The gallery rehabilitation was accomplished through a community effort, with local businesses donating materials, and individuals and groups donating their time.
Both the Grace Episcopal Gallery and the Faye G. Belardi Meomorial Gallery are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Museum hosts multiple temporary exhibitions each year, which have included national traveling exhibitions from the Smithsonian's Museum On Main Street program, California exhibitions from Exhibit Envoy, and locally curated exhibitions, often in partnership with other institutions or researchers.
The California Association of Museums The California Association of Museums represents a diverse, dynamic community of individuals and institutions that seeks to assure the future of California's cultural and natural heritage. CAM connects industry professionals, timely information and practical resources to support the success of all California museums and to advance their interests.
The American Alliance of Museums The American Alliance of Museums has been bringing museums together since 1906, helping to develop standards and best practices, gathering and sharing knowledge, and providing advocacy on issues of concern to the entire museum community.
The American Association for State and Local History The American Association for State and Local History provides leadership, service, and support for its members, who preserve and interpret state and local history in order to make the past more meaningful in American Society.
The San Lorenzo Valley Chamber of Commerce The San Lorenzo Valley Chamber of Commerce supports communities in the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains in Santa Cruz County. We work to improve economic prosperity and advocate for our membership. Our members are a network of San Lorenzo Valley businesses, nonprofits, service organizations, news and media organizations located in the historic towns of Ben Lomond, Boulder Creek, Brookdale, Felton, Lompico, Mount Hermon, Zayante, and Bonny Doon.
Boulder Creek Business Association The purpose of the BCBA is to maintain a healthy economic and cultural environment in this small mountain town by promoting a cohesive bond between the various organizations representing the valley population and business; with a positive sense of community while respecting and embracing the diversity of each individual.
The Museum office is located at:12547 Highway 9, Boulder CreekOffice Hours: Wednesday & Friday 1-4pm Please call or email for an appointment.