Santa Monica Museum Needs New Home

Less than two years after finding a temporary home for its collection, the Santa Monica Historical Society may soon be without quarters once again.

Lowe Enterprises had allowed the group to use about 5,000 square feet of an older building on Colorado Avenue free for the past 18 months, but the development company is now ready to demolish the building to make way for a large, mixed-use complex.

“We were glad to help, but at some point we have to get the tenants out so we can demolish the building,” said Rob Macleod, president of commercial development for Lowe Enterprises.

The historical society was scheduled to vacate the building today, but Macleod has given the group additional time to find a new home or make plans for storing the collection of artifacts and documents that dates back to the 1820s.

The historical society, which began in 1975 and established its museum less than two years ago, is hoping someone will provide for free or for a minimal fee about 6,000 square feet of office space to house its collection.

Louise Gabriel, the group’s president, said that if a new home cannot be found, the collection of maps, documents, photos and vintage clothing will have to be placed in storage.

She said that without a museum the community would be missing something valuable.

“There is more caring for a community when you understand its past,” Gabriel said. “There is greater appreciation for what was done here so that it can be better for future generations. People go to Europe to see the treasures of the past; isn’t it nice that Santa Monica has its past preserved so that people can come here.”

Since the museum opened in October, 1988, tours were provided for school children and community groups by appointment. In addition to exhibitions, the museum also provided an audiovisual history of Santa Monica Bay and a reference library on the state’s history.

Gabriel said the group is hoping to begin a fund-raising drive to pay for a new building and for an executive director, which would allow the museum to stay open more frequently.

To make a donation or assist in locating office space, contact Louise or Bob Gabriel at (213) 829-0305.