January 2026
On January 31st, we opened our new exhibit, Dogs: Our Pawtners in Settling California’s Central Coast
Walk, trot, lope, and gallop on down to enjoy our newest exhibit celebrating our faithful companions past and present.
Click here to read the press release from the Santa Ynez Valley News.
SYVCA Field Trip!
We had an exciting visit from the Santa Ynez Valley Christian Academy 3rd graders on Wednesday, January 28th!
2025 Volunteer of the Year: Lisa Burrola
Please join The Museum in proudly recognizing our 2025 Volunteer of the Year, Lisa Burrola.
Lisa first came to The Museum to study and learn our digital storage methods as part of her thesis research. What began as an academic pursuit quickly grew into something more meaningful for all of us. This cheerful and outgoing Lompoc local soon became a familiar and welcoming face as our Saturday greeter, warmly welcoming visitors through our doors each week.
Throughout the year, Lisa has generously lent her time and talents to numerous Museum events. No matter the task, she brings her A-game, a positive attitude, and a genuine willingness to help. Her dependability, initiative, and upbeat spirit have made her a valued and trusted member of our Museum family.
Lisa, we truly appreciate you—and we are grateful for the energy, care, and dedication you bring to The Museum. Congratulations and thank you for all you do!
Joe Milazzo – “For the Love of Art”
In the spirit of the month of love, throughout February, take advantage of 10% savings on select pieces by renowned artist Joe Milazzo – now on display among two gallery spaces in The Museum.
Annual Membership Meeting – March 25th, 2026
5:00pm
Please join us March 25th for the Annual Membership Meeting, where we will be “Looking Back and Moving Forward.” The meeting is an exciting opportunity to come together as a community and is open to everyone – members, family, friends, and neighbors. Don’t miss out!
In Loving Memory of Linda Diamond Raznick
October 2, 1951 – November 15, 2025
The Museum honors Linda Diamond Raznick, a devoted supporter whose generosity, kindness, and love of animals and horses made a lasting difference. Together with her husband, Rob, Linda helped fund and strengthen many areas of The Museum, leaving a legacy that will endure for years to come.
We are deeply grateful for Linda’s support and friendship, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to her husband, Rob and family.
December 2025
41st Annual Vaquero Benefit
Our 41st Annual Dinner & Auction, held on Saturday, November 8th, was a resounding success! Congratulations to all of our auction winners, and thank you to our generous attendees – your support allows for continued preservation of the treasured Parks-Janeway Carriage House!
Ramon Becerra, our Honored 2025 Vaquero of the Year, dazzled and entertained our guests with his remarkable horsemanship and rope work… and in an amazing show of philanthropy and generosity, donated his prized saddle to The Museum, now on permanent display! Thank you Ramon!
Once again, we owe an immense amount of gratitude to our staff and volunteers, and for the generosity of our event sponsors:
Cattle Boss: Diamond Black Equine Rehab
OneDigital Investment Advisors, LLC
Sliding Horse Ranch
The Wood-Claeyssens Foundation
Vaquero: Chumash Foundation
Robert & Carolyn Duncan
Buckaroo: Coastal Valleys Roofing
Dr. Johnson & Kelly LeBrock
Ranch Hand: Alamo Pintado Equine Medical Center
Hometown Insurance Services
Lieff Ranch
Tina and Paul McEnroe
Dustin Noblitt
Santa Lucia Farm
Stefani & Robin Taliaferro
Sponsors and In-kind Donors: Charlotte’s Santa Ynez
Coastal Vineyard Care Associates
El Rancho Marketplace
Inklings Printing Co.
Santa Barbara Foundation
Board Members Field Trip
SYVHM and Rancho Los Alamitos historic Ranch and Gardens Board Members met in Long Beach for future collaboration. Many thanks to the Rancho Los Alamitos Board members for a wonderful educational and collaborative opportunity to discuss “all things museum.” Stay tuned!
Hundred Hills School Advent Spiral Walk
On December 3rd, Hundred Hills School celebrated its very first Advent Spiral Festival here at The Museum under the full moon.
Students, faculty, staff, and community friends walked the circle together, creating a time and place to cultivate and deepen connection to the Earth’s seasonal rhythms, as per the Steiner philosophy. The Advent spiral is intended to provide respite from the harried pace of the season, to remind participants to take deep breaths, slow down, and bask in gratitude.
Santa Ynez Chamber Country Christmas & Tree Lighting
The Museum courtyard and Parks-Janeway Carriage House were packed with holiday revelers on December 4th for the Santa Ynez Chamber Country Christmas Event!
Guests enjoyed a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus, a reading of Ferd and the Magic Hat, holiday music and entertainment by the Santa Ynez Valley Band and Fossemalle Studio Dancers, festive lights, and good old-fashioned fun!
Give a Gift Membership
Dear Friend of The Museum,
With the holidays upon us, it’s time to give thanks, to celebrate with loved ones, and to get excited about our amazing history – both made and preserved – at the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum over the next year.
As you shop for your friends and family this season, we hope you will consider giving the Gift of Membership. You’ll be giving contemporary art, cultural history, and Western heritage, all while sustaining a strong foundation in our community.
Remembering John Cody
1948-2025
Sculptor of Stone, Spirit & the Santa Ynez Valley
John Cody was a self-taught sculptor whose work became a defining part of the Santa Ynez Valley. After arriving from the East Coast nearly 60 years ago, he fell in love with the local landscape and began transforming its serpentine stone into powerful, soulful sculptures.
In 1976 he opened the Cody Gallery in Los Olivos – the community’s first art gallery – which he ran for 35 years. His sculptures appear throughout California, including at the Santa Maria Court Complex, the Natural History Museum of Santa Maria, memorial tributes in local schools, Gilroy Gardens, and Ballard Cemetery.
Known to many as “Papa John,” he was beloved for his generosity, humor, and open heart. He is survived by his children: Anna, Emily, Quinn, Flynt, and Kelly, and 8 grandchildren.