Culture, sustainability, art, and education at recently opened Santa Ynez Chumash Museum
Jarrod Zinn
SANTA YNEZ, Calif. – The Santa Ynez Valley is home to a new museum celebrating the Chumash tribe.
The Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center opened its doors to the public one week ago.
“My reaction is to have so much joy and excitement,” says Nakia Zavala, Santa Ynez Museum Vice Chair. “And really, it’s the ability to tell our story. I think that’s really important.”
It’s been a long time in the works, and anticipation has been high for the staff as much as the public.
“I was in town for a conference, and I’ve been waiting for so long for the museum to open up,” says Alexandra McCleary, who is visiting from her home in Rancho Cucamonga. “I’m really looking forward to seeing it and visiting it.”
As of May 15th, anyone can visit to observe the artifacts and creations.
“A lot of thought went into the layout of this museum,” says Zavala. “We wanted to make sure that the museum would look like you were up in their local mountains, walking around and you’re able to interact with native plants. And we identify them through our Samala language as well as their English word.”
The gardens are home to native plant species that have been preserved, as well as beautiful water features made from reclaimed water sources in a sustainable and culturally relevant immersive environment.
“The attention to detail is absolutely amazing. I feel like I’ve learned a tremendous amount and love hearing the language spoken as well. I love that,” says McCleary.
The recreated “aps,” which are dome-shaped shelters used by the Chumash, and the museum’s layout, were designed by renowned architect Johnpaul Jones.
Collectors and artisans donated many of the artifacts on display, and one object on temporary display was found on site during construction.
“It’s a stone bowl, and it was found here on site as they were preparing the land for this museum. And we were able to collect it and archive it and curate it for this presentation,” says Zavala.
The center looks forward to welcoming field trips from schools in the area starting this fall.
To learn more about the museum’s hours of operation and admission prices, be sure to visit the museum’s website here.