Our Mission Statement
“To preserve, protect and perpetuate the history of Santa Paula and its environs.”

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.