Continuing a tradition that began in 2016, the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History will celebrate the birthday of its founder, Santa Cruz naturalist and lighthouse keeper, Laura Hecox, at this special open house. The outdoor event will include Victorian-era activities, community partners, historians, and the 2026 Laura Hecox Naturalist award presentation.

Program:

• 10am-5pm: FREE Museum Admission
• 10am-12pm: Saturdays in the Soil Volunteer Gardening
• 11am: Naturalist Award Presentation of Donna Meyers
• 11am-4pm: Open House

Program Events

• Museum Collections Pop
• Rock ID station with UCSC’s Earth and Planetary Sciences
• Victorian era crafts, activities and tintypes