Mission of the Foundation

The mission of the Sam and Alfreda Maloof Foundation for Arts and Crafts, a not-for-profit public benefit corporation, is to perpetuate excellence in craftsmanship, encourage artists and make available to the public the treasure house the Maloofs lovingly created.

The Mission of SAMFAC is to honor and further the legacy of

Sam and Alfreda Maloof.

The Foundation pursues the promise inherent in this legacy as it:

Inspires woodworkers, artists, craftspeople, collectors, and others

Maintains and grows the principal archive of the lives, work and collections of the Maloofs

Celebrates the Maloofs’ creative spirit, love of woodworking, artistic expression and collecting

Produces educational tours, exhibits and programs

Stewards the historic compound in Rancho Cucamonga, California

Partners with like-minded organizations and individuals

History of the Maloof Foundation

In 1990, the Maloof residence and woodshop were deemed eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. With the long-planned Foothill Freeway extension set to cut through the Maloof site, negotiations began to save the buildings by moving them to a nearby location. The original location was a working lemon grove and the new six-acre site was chosen partly for the existing lemon trees that recall the original environment and complement the new landscaping.

Today the relocated residence is open as a living museum. Once again, each room is filled with treasures that give this unique home its spirit. The woodshops were moved to the new site, as were many of the trees from the former Maloof property. The landscaping consists of a natural garden of water-wise California native plants and compatible plants from other Mediterranean climate zones around the world. Benches, sculpture, and picnic areas offer spaces for visitors’ quiet reflection and relaxation.