Business Details
40 Years
experience
Discover Central Coast Agricultural Heritage
Founded in 1986, the Agricultural History Project (AHP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting agricultural heritage on California's Central Coast. Our mission focuses on educating the public about the economic, cultural, and ethnic dimensions of regional agriculture through immersive exhibits and historical research. Since opening our museum in 2004, we've provided hands-on learning experiences that connect visitors with 19th and early 20th-century farm life. Our programming emphasizes agricultural history's relevance to contemporary decision-making while maintaining accessibility for diverse audiences. Through partnerships and community engagement, we've become a trusted resource for historical agricultural research and education.Our team combines decades of expertise in historical preservation, educational programming, and agricultural research to deliver authentic experiences. We maintain rigorous standards for historical accuracy and educational value across all our exhibits and programs. Our commitment to transparency and community service is reflected in our public archives, educational outreach, and volunteer opportunities. We continually expand our collections and exhibits to better serve schools, researchers, and heritage enthusiasts. Our location at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds provides a fitting context for exploring California's agricultural legacy.
Services
Educational Exhibits
Historical Archives
Guided Tours
Gift Shop
Event Hosting
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- We offer 35+ years of agricultural history preservation expertise
- Our interactive exhibits engage visitors of all ages
- We provide accessible educational resources for schools and researchers
- Our museum features authentic 19th-century farm equipment and artifacts
- We host unique seasonal events connecting past and present agriculture
Services
Educational Exhibits
Our museum features immersive exhibits showcasing 19th and early 20th-century agricultural practices. Visitors explore authentic farm equipment, historical documents, and cultural artifacts through hands-on displays. School groups benefit from curriculum-aligned educational programming focused on regional agricultural development.
Historical Archives
We maintain extensive archives documenting Central Coast agricultural history. Researchers access photographs, oral histories, and business records dating back 150 years. Our Codiga Center provides specialized resources for academic and genealogical research.
Guided Tours
Scheduled tours explore our living history farm and museum exhibits. Knowledgeable guides explain agricultural practices, equipment functions, and historical context. Special arrangements accommodate school field trips and senior groups with advance booking.
Gift Shop
Our gift shop offers agricultural-themed merchandise and historical replicas. Visitors find educational toys, vintage-inspired home goods, and locally sourced products. Proceeds support museum operations and preservation efforts.
Event Hosting
We host special events including the annual Goat Hill Fair antique show. Our facilities accommodate educational programs, community gatherings, and historical reenactments. Event spaces feature period-appropriate settings for themed functions.
Questions
What is the Agricultural History Project's main focus?
We preserve and educate about Central California Coast agricultural history through exhibits, archives, and programs showing 1800s-1900s farming practices.
Are guided tours available?
Yes, guided tours are available by appointment Tuesday-Friday 9am-3pm and during our Second Saturday events.
Can I access historical research materials?
Our Codiga Center maintains extensive archives available for public research by appointment.
Is the museum accessible for disabled visitors?
Yes, our facilities meet ADA accessibility standards for wheelchair users and visitors with mobility challenges.
Do you offer educational programs for schools?
We provide curriculum-aligned field trip programs for K-12 students focusing on agricultural history and practices.
Videos
Reviews (3)
Providence Majesty Doll
Jun 13, 2019
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It was a very positive experience. Helpful staff and it really Makes a difference when a person is kind. And caring.
Anne Shaw
Dec 30, 2018
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Loved the history of our county Spoke with a granddaughter of the Rogers family who built the white Victorian on the fair grounds heard her stories of playing there, the lightning storm that hit the house and families many contributions to building our ag community back in the day! Loved it!
Kathy Oliver
Aug 19, 2017
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The best community service for our area. Where else can you take your children to learn all about our soils and animals and stay in touch with the roots of our beautiful lands? A must see and do!!!
