Santa Cruz Museum Of Natural History
History:The Museum traces its beginnings to the late 1800s and the collection of naturalist Laura Hecox. Miss Hecox was born in Santa Cruz in 1854 and from childhood had a keen interest in the natural sciences. Her parents, Adna and Margaret Hecox, traveled overland from Illinois to California in 1846 and settled in Santa Cruz the following year. In 1869 Mr. Hecox was appointed keeper of the original Santa Cruz Lighthouse and took up residence there with his wife and family. Young Laura soon began collecting seashells, minerals, fossils, Indian artifacts, and other specimens and curios, turning part of the lighthouse into a private nature museum. "This young lady is quite a student of conchology, and her display of shells and cabinet specimens is greatly admired by all who visit the lighthouse," said a writer in 1879.In 1883 Adna Hecox died and Laura Hecox was appointed lighthouse keeper by the federal government. She stayed at the post for thirty-three years. On weekends she gave public tours of the lighthouse including her personal natural history museum. Although interested in all of natural history, her specialty was mollusks. She corresponded with prominent scientists of the day and had at least two mollusk species named in her honor.
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AARP Events for Santa Cruz
AARP Events for Santa Cruz
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Featured Event
Let’s Take It Outside: Downtown San Jose Mural Walk
Friday, Nov 8, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. PT
Hotel De Anza - meet at the “Vida Abundante” mural on the west side of the hotel
San Jose, CA
-
Featured Event
Let’s Take It Outside: Downtown San Jose Mural Walk
Friday, Nov 8, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. PT
Hotel De Anza - meet at the “Vida Abundante” mural on the west side of the hotel
San Jose, CA
-
Featured Event
‘Somos…Nuestras Historias’ Movie Series: ‘Our America: Todos Unidos’
Saturday, Nov 9, 2024
Swank Screening
Online Event
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"Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Santa Cruz Museum Of Natural History</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>1305 East Cliff Drive</div> <div> <span>Santa Cruz</span>, <span>CA</span> <span>95062</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.santacruzmuseums.org/" target="_blank">Santa Cruz Museum Of Natural History</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 831-420-6115</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Santa+Cruz+Museum+Of+Natural+History%2C+1305+East+Cliff+Drive%2C+Santa+Cruz%2C+CA+95062" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:The Museum traces its beginnings to the late 1800s and the collection of naturalist Laura Hecox. Miss Hecox was born in Santa Cruz in 1854 and from childhood had a keen interest in the natural sciences. Her parents, Adna and Margaret Hecox, traveled overland from Illinois to California in 1846 and settled in Santa Cruz the following year. In 1869 Mr. Hecox was appointed keeper of the original Santa Cruz Lighthouse and took up residence there with his wife and family. Young Laura soon began collecting seashells, minerals, fossils, Indian artifacts, and other specimens and curios, turning part of the lighthouse into a private nature museum. "This young lady is quite a student of conchology, and her display of shells and cabinet specimens is greatly admired by all who visit the lighthouse," said a writer in 1879.In 1883 Adna Hecox died and Laura Hecox was appointed lighthouse keeper by the federal government. She stayed at the post for thirty-three years. On weekends she gave public tours of the lighthouse including her personal natural history museum. Although interested in all of natural history, her specialty was mollusks. She corresponded with prominent scientists of the day and had at least two mollusk species named in her honor.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/santa-cruz-ca/report/place/santa-cruz-museum-of-natural-history-santa-cruz-ca.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/santa-cruz-ca/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/santa-cruz-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Santa Cruz</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Santa Cruz</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/lets-take-it-outside-downtown-san-jose-mural-walk-10am-11824-9nn4dlqvhsr.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LETS-TAKE-IT-OUTSIDE-DOWNTOWN-SAN-JOSE-MURAL-WALK">Let’s Take It Outside: Downtown San Jose Mural Walk</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 8, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Hotel De Anza - meet at the “Vida Abundante” mural on the west side of the hotel</p> <p class="loc">San Jose, CA</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/lets-take-it-outside-downtown-san-jose-mural-walk-12pm-11824-gfn63lz6lff.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LETS-TAKE-IT-OUTSIDE-DOWNTOWN-SAN-JOSE-MURAL-WALK">Let’s Take It Outside: Downtown San Jose Mural Walk</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 8, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Hotel De Anza - meet at the “Vida Abundante” mural on the west side of the hotel</p> <p class="loc">San Jose, CA</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ca-somosnuestras-historias-movie-series-our-america-todos-unidos-l6nmb4g83n7.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SOMOSNUESTRAS-HISTORIAS-MOVIE-SERIES-OUR-AMERICA-TODOS-UNIDOS">‘Somos…Nuestras Historias’ Movie Series: ‘Our America: Todos Unidos’</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Nov 9, 2024</p> <p class="venue">Swank Screening</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/santa-cruz-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SANTACRUZ-CA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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Miss Hecox was born in Santa Cruz in 1854 and from" name="description"/> <meta content="Santa, Cruz, Museum, Of, Natural, History, CA" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/santa-cruz-museum-of-natural-history-santa-cruz-ca.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/santa-cruz-museum-of-natural-history-santa-cruz-ca.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Santa Cruz Museum Of Natural History"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="History:The Museum traces its beginnings to the late 1800s and the collection of naturalist Laura Hecox. Miss Hecox was born in Santa Cruz in 1854 and from"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Santa Cruz Museum Of Natural History"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History:The Museum traces its beginnings to the late 1800s and the collection of naturalist Laura Hecox. Miss Hecox was born in Santa Cruz in 1854 and from"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="36.9646"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-122.010002"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Santa Cruz Museum Of Natural History</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>1305 East Cliff Drive</div> <div> <span>Santa Cruz</span>, <span>CA</span> <span>95062</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.santacruzmuseums.org/" target="_blank">Santa Cruz Museum Of Natural History</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 831-420-6115</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Santa+Cruz+Museum+Of+Natural+History%2C+1305+East+Cliff+Drive%2C+Santa+Cruz%2C+CA+95062" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:The Museum traces its beginnings to the late 1800s and the collection of naturalist Laura Hecox. Miss Hecox was born in Santa Cruz in 1854 and from childhood had a keen interest in the natural sciences. Her parents, Adna and Margaret Hecox, traveled overland from Illinois to California in 1846 and settled in Santa Cruz the following year. In 1869 Mr. Hecox was appointed keeper of the original Santa Cruz Lighthouse and took up residence there with his wife and family. Young Laura soon began collecting seashells, minerals, fossils, Indian artifacts, and other specimens and curios, turning part of the lighthouse into a private nature museum. "This young lady is quite a student of conchology, and her display of shells and cabinet specimens is greatly admired by all who visit the lighthouse," said a writer in 1879.In 1883 Adna Hecox died and Laura Hecox was appointed lighthouse keeper by the federal government. She stayed at the post for thirty-three years. On weekends she gave public tours of the lighthouse including her personal natural history museum. Although interested in all of natural history, her specialty was mollusks. She corresponded with prominent scientists of the day and had at least two mollusk species named in her honor.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/santa-cruz-ca/report/place/santa-cruz-museum-of-natural-history-santa-cruz-ca.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/santa-cruz-ca/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/santa-cruz-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Santa Cruz</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Santa Cruz</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/lets-take-it-outside-downtown-san-jose-mural-walk-10am-11824-9nn4dlqvhsr.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LETS-TAKE-IT-OUTSIDE-DOWNTOWN-SAN-JOSE-MURAL-WALK">Let’s Take It Outside: Downtown San Jose Mural Walk</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 8, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Hotel De Anza - meet at the “Vida Abundante” mural on the west side of the hotel</p> <p class="loc">San Jose, CA</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/lets-take-it-outside-downtown-san-jose-mural-walk-12pm-11824-gfn63lz6lff.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LETS-TAKE-IT-OUTSIDE-DOWNTOWN-SAN-JOSE-MURAL-WALK">Let’s Take It Outside: Downtown San Jose Mural Walk</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 8, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Hotel De Anza - meet at the “Vida Abundante” mural on the west side of the hotel</p> <p class="loc">San Jose, CA</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ca-somosnuestras-historias-movie-series-our-america-todos-unidos-l6nmb4g83n7.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SOMOSNUESTRAS-HISTORIAS-MOVIE-SERIES-OUR-AMERICA-TODOS-UNIDOS">‘Somos…Nuestras Historias’ Movie Series: ‘Our America: Todos Unidos’</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Nov 9, 2024</p> <p class="venue">Swank Screening</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/santa-cruz-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SANTACRUZ-CA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242]Code Context<?php // if (!$nowrapper) (Globals::$language == 'es') ? include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer_es.html") : include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer.html"); ?><?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBDinclude (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Santa Cruz Museum Of Natural History</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>1305 East Cliff Drive</div> <div> <span>Santa Cruz</span>, <span>CA</span> <span>95062</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.santacruzmuseums.org/" target="_blank">Santa Cruz Museum Of Natural History</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 831-420-6115</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Santa+Cruz+Museum+Of+Natural+History%2C+1305+East+Cliff+Drive%2C+Santa+Cruz%2C+CA+95062" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:The Museum traces its beginnings to the late 1800s and the collection of naturalist Laura Hecox. Miss Hecox was born in Santa Cruz in 1854 and from childhood had a keen interest in the natural sciences. Her parents, Adna and Margaret Hecox, traveled overland from Illinois to California in 1846 and settled in Santa Cruz the following year. In 1869 Mr. Hecox was appointed keeper of the original Santa Cruz Lighthouse and took up residence there with his wife and family. Young Laura soon began collecting seashells, minerals, fossils, Indian artifacts, and other specimens and curios, turning part of the lighthouse into a private nature museum. "This young lady is quite a student of conchology, and her display of shells and cabinet specimens is greatly admired by all who visit the lighthouse," said a writer in 1879.In 1883 Adna Hecox died and Laura Hecox was appointed lighthouse keeper by the federal government. She stayed at the post for thirty-three years. On weekends she gave public tours of the lighthouse including her personal natural history museum. Although interested in all of natural history, her specialty was mollusks. She corresponded with prominent scientists of the day and had at least two mollusk species named in her honor.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/santa-cruz-ca/report/place/santa-cruz-museum-of-natural-history-santa-cruz-ca.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/santa-cruz-ca/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/santa-cruz-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Santa Cruz</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Santa Cruz</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/lets-take-it-outside-downtown-san-jose-mural-walk-10am-11824-9nn4dlqvhsr.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LETS-TAKE-IT-OUTSIDE-DOWNTOWN-SAN-JOSE-MURAL-WALK">Let’s Take It Outside: Downtown San Jose Mural Walk</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 8, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Hotel De Anza - meet at the “Vida Abundante” mural on the west side of the hotel</p> <p class="loc">San Jose, CA</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/lets-take-it-outside-downtown-san-jose-mural-walk-12pm-11824-gfn63lz6lff.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LETS-TAKE-IT-OUTSIDE-DOWNTOWN-SAN-JOSE-MURAL-WALK">Let’s Take It Outside: Downtown San Jose Mural Walk</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 8, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Hotel De Anza - meet at the “Vida Abundante” mural on the west side of the hotel</p> <p class="loc">San Jose, CA</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ca-somosnuestras-historias-movie-series-our-america-todos-unidos-l6nmb4g83n7.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SOMOSNUESTRAS-HISTORIAS-MOVIE-SERIES-OUR-AMERICA-TODOS-UNIDOS">‘Somos…Nuestras Historias’ Movie Series: ‘Our America: Todos Unidos’</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Nov 9, 2024</p> <p class="venue">Swank Screening</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/santa-cruz-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SANTACRUZ-CA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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Miss Hecox was born in Santa Cruz in 1854 and from" name="description"/> <meta content="Santa, Cruz, Museum, Of, Natural, History, CA" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/santa-cruz-museum-of-natural-history-santa-cruz-ca.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/santa-cruz-museum-of-natural-history-santa-cruz-ca.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Santa Cruz Museum Of Natural History"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="History:The Museum traces its beginnings to the late 1800s and the collection of naturalist Laura Hecox. Miss Hecox was born in Santa Cruz in 1854 and from"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Santa Cruz Museum Of Natural History"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History:The Museum traces its beginnings to the late 1800s and the collection of naturalist Laura Hecox. Miss Hecox was born in Santa Cruz in 1854 and from"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="36.9646"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-122.010002"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Santa Cruz Museum Of Natural History</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>1305 East Cliff Drive</div> <div> <span>Santa Cruz</span>, <span>CA</span> <span>95062</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.santacruzmuseums.org/" target="_blank">Santa Cruz Museum Of Natural History</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 831-420-6115</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Santa+Cruz+Museum+Of+Natural+History%2C+1305+East+Cliff+Drive%2C+Santa+Cruz%2C+CA+95062" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:The Museum traces its beginnings to the late 1800s and the collection of naturalist Laura Hecox. Miss Hecox was born in Santa Cruz in 1854 and from childhood had a keen interest in the natural sciences. Her parents, Adna and Margaret Hecox, traveled overland from Illinois to California in 1846 and settled in Santa Cruz the following year. In 1869 Mr. Hecox was appointed keeper of the original Santa Cruz Lighthouse and took up residence there with his wife and family. Young Laura soon began collecting seashells, minerals, fossils, Indian artifacts, and other specimens and curios, turning part of the lighthouse into a private nature museum. "This young lady is quite a student of conchology, and her display of shells and cabinet specimens is greatly admired by all who visit the lighthouse," said a writer in 1879.In 1883 Adna Hecox died and Laura Hecox was appointed lighthouse keeper by the federal government. She stayed at the post for thirty-three years. On weekends she gave public tours of the lighthouse including her personal natural history museum. Although interested in all of natural history, her specialty was mollusks. She corresponded with prominent scientists of the day and had at least two mollusk species named in her honor.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/santa-cruz-ca/report/place/santa-cruz-museum-of-natural-history-santa-cruz-ca.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBDinclude (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Santa Cruz Museum Of Natural History</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>1305 East Cliff Drive</div> <div> <span>Santa Cruz</span>, <span>CA</span> <span>95062</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.santacruzmuseums.org/" target="_blank">Santa Cruz Museum Of Natural History</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 831-420-6115</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Santa+Cruz+Museum+Of+Natural+History%2C+1305+East+Cliff+Drive%2C+Santa+Cruz%2C+CA+95062" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:The Museum traces its beginnings to the late 1800s and the collection of naturalist Laura Hecox. Miss Hecox was born in Santa Cruz in 1854 and from childhood had a keen interest in the natural sciences. Her parents, Adna and Margaret Hecox, traveled overland from Illinois to California in 1846 and settled in Santa Cruz the following year. In 1869 Mr. Hecox was appointed keeper of the original Santa Cruz Lighthouse and took up residence there with his wife and family. Young Laura soon began collecting seashells, minerals, fossils, Indian artifacts, and other specimens and curios, turning part of the lighthouse into a private nature museum. "This young lady is quite a student of conchology, and her display of shells and cabinet specimens is greatly admired by all who visit the lighthouse," said a writer in 1879.In 1883 Adna Hecox died and Laura Hecox was appointed lighthouse keeper by the federal government. She stayed at the post for thirty-three years. On weekends she gave public tours of the lighthouse including her personal natural history museum. Although interested in all of natural history, her specialty was mollusks. She corresponded with prominent scientists of the day and had at least two mollusk species named in her honor.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/santa-cruz-ca/report/place/santa-cruz-museum-of-natural-history-santa-cruz-ca.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/santa-cruz-ca/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/santa-cruz-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Santa Cruz</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Santa Cruz</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/lets-take-it-outside-downtown-san-jose-mural-walk-10am-11824-9nn4dlqvhsr.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LETS-TAKE-IT-OUTSIDE-DOWNTOWN-SAN-JOSE-MURAL-WALK">Let’s Take It Outside: Downtown San Jose Mural Walk</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 8, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Hotel De Anza - meet at the “Vida Abundante” mural on the west side of the hotel</p> <p class="loc">San Jose, CA</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/lets-take-it-outside-downtown-san-jose-mural-walk-12pm-11824-gfn63lz6lff.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LETS-TAKE-IT-OUTSIDE-DOWNTOWN-SAN-JOSE-MURAL-WALK">Let’s Take It Outside: Downtown San Jose Mural Walk</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 8, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Hotel De Anza - meet at the “Vida Abundante” mural on the west side of the hotel</p> <p class="loc">San Jose, CA</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ca-somosnuestras-historias-movie-series-our-america-todos-unidos-l6nmb4g83n7.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SOMOSNUESTRAS-HISTORIAS-MOVIE-SERIES-OUR-AMERICA-TODOS-UNIDOS">‘Somos…Nuestras Historias’ Movie Series: ‘Our America: Todos Unidos’</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Nov 9, 2024</p> <p class="venue">Swank Screening</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/santa-cruz-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SANTACRUZ-CA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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Miss Hecox was born in Santa Cruz in 1854 and from" name="description"/> <meta content="Santa, Cruz, Museum, Of, Natural, History, CA" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/santa-cruz-museum-of-natural-history-santa-cruz-ca.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/santa-cruz-museum-of-natural-history-santa-cruz-ca.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Santa Cruz Museum Of Natural History"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="History:The Museum traces its beginnings to the late 1800s and the collection of naturalist Laura Hecox. Miss Hecox was born in Santa Cruz in 1854 and from"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Santa Cruz Museum Of Natural History"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History:The Museum traces its beginnings to the late 1800s and the collection of naturalist Laura Hecox. Miss Hecox was born in Santa Cruz in 1854 and from"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="36.9646"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-122.010002"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Santa Cruz Museum Of Natural History</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>1305 East Cliff Drive</div> <div> <span>Santa Cruz</span>, <span>CA</span> <span>95062</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.santacruzmuseums.org/" target="_blank">Santa Cruz Museum Of Natural History</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 831-420-6115</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Santa+Cruz+Museum+Of+Natural+History%2C+1305+East+Cliff+Drive%2C+Santa+Cruz%2C+CA+95062" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:The Museum traces its beginnings to the late 1800s and the collection of naturalist Laura Hecox. Miss Hecox was born in Santa Cruz in 1854 and from childhood had a keen interest in the natural sciences. Her parents, Adna and Margaret Hecox, traveled overland from Illinois to California in 1846 and settled in Santa Cruz the following year. In 1869 Mr. Hecox was appointed keeper of the original Santa Cruz Lighthouse and took up residence there with his wife and family. Young Laura soon began collecting seashells, minerals, fossils, Indian artifacts, and other specimens and curios, turning part of the lighthouse into a private nature museum. "This young lady is quite a student of conchology, and her display of shells and cabinet specimens is greatly admired by all who visit the lighthouse," said a writer in 1879.In 1883 Adna Hecox died and Laura Hecox was appointed lighthouse keeper by the federal government. She stayed at the post for thirty-three years. On weekends she gave public tours of the lighthouse including her personal natural history museum. Although interested in all of natural history, her specialty was mollusks. She corresponded with prominent scientists of the day and had at least two mollusk species named in her honor.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/santa-cruz-ca/report/place/santa-cruz-museum-of-natural-history-santa-cruz-ca.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/santa-cruz-ca/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/santa-cruz-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Santa Cruz</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Santa Cruz</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/lets-take-it-outside-downtown-san-jose-mural-walk-10am-11824-9nn4dlqvhsr.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LETS-TAKE-IT-OUTSIDE-DOWNTOWN-SAN-JOSE-MURAL-WALK">Let’s Take It Outside: Downtown San Jose Mural Walk</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 8, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Hotel De Anza - meet at the “Vida Abundante” mural on the west side of the hotel</p> <p class="loc">San Jose, CA</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/lets-take-it-outside-downtown-san-jose-mural-walk-12pm-11824-gfn63lz6lff.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LETS-TAKE-IT-OUTSIDE-DOWNTOWN-SAN-JOSE-MURAL-WALK">Let’s Take It Outside: Downtown San Jose Mural Walk</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 8, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Hotel De Anza - meet at the “Vida Abundante” mural on the west side of the hotel</p> <p class="loc">San Jose, CA</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ca-somosnuestras-historias-movie-series-our-america-todos-unidos-l6nmb4g83n7.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SOMOSNUESTRAS-HISTORIAS-MOVIE-SERIES-OUR-AMERICA-TODOS-UNIDOS">‘Somos…Nuestras Historias’ Movie Series: ‘Our America: Todos Unidos’</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Nov 9, 2024</p> <p class="venue">Swank Screening</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/santa-cruz-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SANTACRUZ-CA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBDinclude (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Santa Cruz Museum Of Natural History</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>1305 East Cliff Drive</div> <div> <span>Santa Cruz</span>, <span>CA</span> <span>95062</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.santacruzmuseums.org/" target="_blank">Santa Cruz Museum Of Natural History</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 831-420-6115</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Santa+Cruz+Museum+Of+Natural+History%2C+1305+East+Cliff+Drive%2C+Santa+Cruz%2C+CA+95062" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:The Museum traces its beginnings to the late 1800s and the collection of naturalist Laura Hecox. Miss Hecox was born in Santa Cruz in 1854 and from childhood had a keen interest in the natural sciences. Her parents, Adna and Margaret Hecox, traveled overland from Illinois to California in 1846 and settled in Santa Cruz the following year. In 1869 Mr. Hecox was appointed keeper of the original Santa Cruz Lighthouse and took up residence there with his wife and family. Young Laura soon began collecting seashells, minerals, fossils, Indian artifacts, and other specimens and curios, turning part of the lighthouse into a private nature museum. "This young lady is quite a student of conchology, and her display of shells and cabinet specimens is greatly admired by all who visit the lighthouse," said a writer in 1879.In 1883 Adna Hecox died and Laura Hecox was appointed lighthouse keeper by the federal government. She stayed at the post for thirty-three years. On weekends she gave public tours of the lighthouse including her personal natural history museum. Although interested in all of natural history, her specialty was mollusks. She corresponded with prominent scientists of the day and had at least two mollusk species named in her honor.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/santa-cruz-ca/report/place/santa-cruz-museum-of-natural-history-santa-cruz-ca.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/santa-cruz-ca/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/santa-cruz-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Santa Cruz</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Santa Cruz</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/lets-take-it-outside-downtown-san-jose-mural-walk-10am-11824-9nn4dlqvhsr.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LETS-TAKE-IT-OUTSIDE-DOWNTOWN-SAN-JOSE-MURAL-WALK">Let’s Take It Outside: Downtown San Jose Mural Walk</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 8, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Hotel De Anza - meet at the “Vida Abundante” mural on the west side of the hotel</p> <p class="loc">San Jose, CA</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/lets-take-it-outside-downtown-san-jose-mural-walk-12pm-11824-gfn63lz6lff.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LETS-TAKE-IT-OUTSIDE-DOWNTOWN-SAN-JOSE-MURAL-WALK">Let’s Take It Outside: Downtown San Jose Mural Walk</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 8, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Hotel De Anza - meet at the “Vida Abundante” mural on the west side of the hotel</p> <p class="loc">San Jose, CA</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ca-somosnuestras-historias-movie-series-our-america-todos-unidos-l6nmb4g83n7.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SOMOSNUESTRAS-HISTORIAS-MOVIE-SERIES-OUR-AMERICA-TODOS-UNIDOS">‘Somos…Nuestras Historias’ Movie Series: ‘Our America: Todos Unidos’</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Nov 9, 2024</p> <p class="venue">Swank Screening</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/santa-cruz-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SANTACRUZ-CA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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Miss Hecox was born in Santa Cruz in 1854 and from" name="description"/> <meta content="Santa, Cruz, Museum, Of, Natural, History, CA" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/santa-cruz-museum-of-natural-history-santa-cruz-ca.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/santa-cruz-museum-of-natural-history-santa-cruz-ca.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Santa Cruz Museum Of Natural History"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="History:The Museum traces its beginnings to the late 1800s and the collection of naturalist Laura Hecox. Miss Hecox was born in Santa Cruz in 1854 and from"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Santa Cruz Museum Of Natural History"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History:The Museum traces its beginnings to the late 1800s and the collection of naturalist Laura Hecox. Miss Hecox was born in Santa Cruz in 1854 and from"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="36.9646"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-122.010002"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Santa Cruz Museum Of Natural History</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>1305 East Cliff Drive</div> <div> <span>Santa Cruz</span>, <span>CA</span> <span>95062</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.santacruzmuseums.org/" target="_blank">Santa Cruz Museum Of Natural History</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 831-420-6115</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Santa+Cruz+Museum+Of+Natural+History%2C+1305+East+Cliff+Drive%2C+Santa+Cruz%2C+CA+95062" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:The Museum traces its beginnings to the late 1800s and the collection of naturalist Laura Hecox. Miss Hecox was born in Santa Cruz in 1854 and from childhood had a keen interest in the natural sciences. Her parents, Adna and Margaret Hecox, traveled overland from Illinois to California in 1846 and settled in Santa Cruz the following year. In 1869 Mr. Hecox was appointed keeper of the original Santa Cruz Lighthouse and took up residence there with his wife and family. Young Laura soon began collecting seashells, minerals, fossils, Indian artifacts, and other specimens and curios, turning part of the lighthouse into a private nature museum. "This young lady is quite a student of conchology, and her display of shells and cabinet specimens is greatly admired by all who visit the lighthouse," said a writer in 1879.In 1883 Adna Hecox died and Laura Hecox was appointed lighthouse keeper by the federal government. She stayed at the post for thirty-three years. On weekends she gave public tours of the lighthouse including her personal natural history museum. Although interested in all of natural history, her specialty was mollusks. She corresponded with prominent scientists of the day and had at least two mollusk species named in her honor.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/santa-cruz-ca/report/place/santa-cruz-museum-of-natural-history-santa-cruz-ca.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244]Code Contextinclude (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html");$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Santa Cruz Museum Of Natural History</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>1305 East Cliff Drive</div> <div> <span>Santa Cruz</span>, <span>CA</span> <span>95062</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.santacruzmuseums.org/" target="_blank">Santa Cruz Museum Of Natural History</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 831-420-6115</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Santa+Cruz+Museum+Of+Natural+History%2C+1305+East+Cliff+Drive%2C+Santa+Cruz%2C+CA+95062" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:The Museum traces its beginnings to the late 1800s and the collection of naturalist Laura Hecox. Miss Hecox was born in Santa Cruz in 1854 and from childhood had a keen interest in the natural sciences. Her parents, Adna and Margaret Hecox, traveled overland from Illinois to California in 1846 and settled in Santa Cruz the following year. In 1869 Mr. Hecox was appointed keeper of the original Santa Cruz Lighthouse and took up residence there with his wife and family. Young Laura soon began collecting seashells, minerals, fossils, Indian artifacts, and other specimens and curios, turning part of the lighthouse into a private nature museum. "This young lady is quite a student of conchology, and her display of shells and cabinet specimens is greatly admired by all who visit the lighthouse," said a writer in 1879.In 1883 Adna Hecox died and Laura Hecox was appointed lighthouse keeper by the federal government. She stayed at the post for thirty-three years. On weekends she gave public tours of the lighthouse including her personal natural history museum. Although interested in all of natural history, her specialty was mollusks. She corresponded with prominent scientists of the day and had at least two mollusk species named in her honor.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/santa-cruz-ca/report/place/santa-cruz-museum-of-natural-history-santa-cruz-ca.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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Miss Hecox was born in Santa Cruz in 1854 and from" name="description"/> <meta content="Santa, Cruz, Museum, Of, Natural, History, CA" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/santa-cruz-museum-of-natural-history-santa-cruz-ca.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/santa-cruz-museum-of-natural-history-santa-cruz-ca.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Santa Cruz Museum Of Natural History"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="History:The Museum traces its beginnings to the late 1800s and the collection of naturalist Laura Hecox. Miss Hecox was born in Santa Cruz in 1854 and from"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Santa Cruz Museum Of Natural History"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History:The Museum traces its beginnings to the late 1800s and the collection of naturalist Laura Hecox. Miss Hecox was born in Santa Cruz in 1854 and from"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="36.9646"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-122.010002"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Santa Cruz Museum Of Natural History</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>1305 East Cliff Drive</div> <div> <span>Santa Cruz</span>, <span>CA</span> <span>95062</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.santacruzmuseums.org/" target="_blank">Santa Cruz Museum Of Natural History</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 831-420-6115</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Santa+Cruz+Museum+Of+Natural+History%2C+1305+East+Cliff+Drive%2C+Santa+Cruz%2C+CA+95062" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:The Museum traces its beginnings to the late 1800s and the collection of naturalist Laura Hecox. Miss Hecox was born in Santa Cruz in 1854 and from childhood had a keen interest in the natural sciences. Her parents, Adna and Margaret Hecox, traveled overland from Illinois to California in 1846 and settled in Santa Cruz the following year. In 1869 Mr. Hecox was appointed keeper of the original Santa Cruz Lighthouse and took up residence there with his wife and family. Young Laura soon began collecting seashells, minerals, fossils, Indian artifacts, and other specimens and curios, turning part of the lighthouse into a private nature museum. "This young lady is quite a student of conchology, and her display of shells and cabinet specimens is greatly admired by all who visit the lighthouse," said a writer in 1879.In 1883 Adna Hecox died and Laura Hecox was appointed lighthouse keeper by the federal government. She stayed at the post for thirty-three years. On weekends she gave public tours of the lighthouse including her personal natural history museum. Although interested in all of natural history, her specialty was mollusks. She corresponded with prominent scientists of the day and had at least two mollusk species named in her honor.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/santa-cruz-ca/report/place/santa-cruz-museum-of-natural-history-santa-cruz-ca.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244]Code Contextinclude (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html");$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Santa Cruz Museum Of Natural History</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>1305 East Cliff Drive</div> <div> <span>Santa Cruz</span>, <span>CA</span> <span>95062</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.santacruzmuseums.org/" target="_blank">Santa Cruz Museum Of Natural History</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 831-420-6115</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Santa+Cruz+Museum+Of+Natural+History%2C+1305+East+Cliff+Drive%2C+Santa+Cruz%2C+CA+95062" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:The Museum traces its beginnings to the late 1800s and the collection of naturalist Laura Hecox. Miss Hecox was born in Santa Cruz in 1854 and from childhood had a keen interest in the natural sciences. Her parents, Adna and Margaret Hecox, traveled overland from Illinois to California in 1846 and settled in Santa Cruz the following year. In 1869 Mr. Hecox was appointed keeper of the original Santa Cruz Lighthouse and took up residence there with his wife and family. Young Laura soon began collecting seashells, minerals, fossils, Indian artifacts, and other specimens and curios, turning part of the lighthouse into a private nature museum. "This young lady is quite a student of conchology, and her display of shells and cabinet specimens is greatly admired by all who visit the lighthouse," said a writer in 1879.In 1883 Adna Hecox died and Laura Hecox was appointed lighthouse keeper by the federal government. She stayed at the post for thirty-three years. On weekends she gave public tours of the lighthouse including her personal natural history museum. Although interested in all of natural history, her specialty was mollusks. She corresponded with prominent scientists of the day and had at least two mollusk species named in her honor.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/santa-cruz-ca/report/place/santa-cruz-museum-of-natural-history-santa-cruz-ca.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/santa-cruz-ca/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/santa-cruz-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Santa Cruz</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Santa Cruz</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/lets-take-it-outside-downtown-san-jose-mural-walk-10am-11824-9nn4dlqvhsr.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LETS-TAKE-IT-OUTSIDE-DOWNTOWN-SAN-JOSE-MURAL-WALK">Let’s Take It Outside: Downtown San Jose Mural Walk</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 8, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Hotel De Anza - meet at the “Vida Abundante” mural on the west side of the hotel</p> <p class="loc">San Jose, CA</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/lets-take-it-outside-downtown-san-jose-mural-walk-12pm-11824-gfn63lz6lff.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-LETS-TAKE-IT-OUTSIDE-DOWNTOWN-SAN-JOSE-MURAL-WALK">Let’s Take It Outside: Downtown San Jose Mural Walk</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 8, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Hotel De Anza - meet at the “Vida Abundante” mural on the west side of the hotel</p> <p class="loc">San Jose, CA</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ca-somosnuestras-historias-movie-series-our-america-todos-unidos-l6nmb4g83n7.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SOMOSNUESTRAS-HISTORIAS-MOVIE-SERIES-OUR-AMERICA-TODOS-UNIDOS">‘Somos…Nuestras Historias’ Movie Series: ‘Our America: Todos Unidos’</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Nov 9, 2024</p> <p class="venue">Swank Screening</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/santa-cruz-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SANTACRUZ-CA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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Miss Hecox was born in Santa Cruz in 1854 and from" name="description"/> <meta content="Santa, Cruz, Museum, Of, Natural, History, CA" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/santa-cruz-museum-of-natural-history-santa-cruz-ca.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/santa-cruz-museum-of-natural-history-santa-cruz-ca.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Santa Cruz Museum Of Natural History"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="History:The Museum traces its beginnings to the late 1800s and the collection of naturalist Laura Hecox. Miss Hecox was born in Santa Cruz in 1854 and from"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Santa Cruz Museum Of Natural History"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History:The Museum traces its beginnings to the late 1800s and the collection of naturalist Laura Hecox. Miss Hecox was born in Santa Cruz in 1854 and from"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="36.9646"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-122.010002"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Santa Cruz Museum Of Natural History</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>1305 East Cliff Drive</div> <div> <span>Santa Cruz</span>, <span>CA</span> <span>95062</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.santacruzmuseums.org/" target="_blank">Santa Cruz Museum Of Natural History</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 831-420-6115</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Santa+Cruz+Museum+Of+Natural+History%2C+1305+East+Cliff+Drive%2C+Santa+Cruz%2C+CA+95062" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:The Museum traces its beginnings to the late 1800s and the collection of naturalist Laura Hecox. Miss Hecox was born in Santa Cruz in 1854 and from childhood had a keen interest in the natural sciences. Her parents, Adna and Margaret Hecox, traveled overland from Illinois to California in 1846 and settled in Santa Cruz the following year. In 1869 Mr. Hecox was appointed keeper of the original Santa Cruz Lighthouse and took up residence there with his wife and family. Young Laura soon began collecting seashells, minerals, fossils, Indian artifacts, and other specimens and curios, turning part of the lighthouse into a private nature museum. "This young lady is quite a student of conchology, and her display of shells and cabinet specimens is greatly admired by all who visit the lighthouse," said a writer in 1879.In 1883 Adna Hecox died and Laura Hecox was appointed lighthouse keeper by the federal government. She stayed at the post for thirty-three years. On weekends she gave public tours of the lighthouse including her personal natural history museum. Although interested in all of natural history, her specialty was mollusks. She corresponded with prominent scientists of the day and had at least two mollusk species named in her honor.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/santa-cruz-ca/report/place/santa-cruz-museum-of-natural-history-santa-cruz-ca.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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Miss Hecox was born in Santa Cruz in 1854 and from"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="36.9646"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-122.010002"/> ' $title_for_layout = 'Place Detail - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = '' $highlighting = '' $location = '<a href="/santa-cruz-ca/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Santa Cruz, CA</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/santa-cruz-ca/things-to-do/">Places</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true"> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/santa-cruz-ca/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/santa-cruz-ca/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/santa-cruz-ca/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/santa-cruz-ca/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/santa-cruz-ca/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/santa-cruz-ca/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more"> <span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span> <ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu"> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/santa-cruz-ca/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/santa-cruz-ca/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/santa-cruz-ca/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/santa-cruz-ca/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/santa-cruz-ca/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/santa-cruz-ca/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/santa-cruz-ca/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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