About Us

JN Swanson Paintings

JN Swanson Paintings

J.N. Swanson 1927 – 2014 Jack Swanson was born in 1927 in Duluth, Minnesota to Margaret and Leonard Swanson. The family moved frequently during the Great Depression, and in 1942 came to Oakland, California. Teen-aged Jack headed south to work on at the Dry Creek 

The Golden Age of California: Women’s City Fashions of the 1890’s

The Golden Age of California: Women’s City Fashions of the 1890’s

Jeanette Lyons Gallery In the 1890s San Francisco was known as the “Golden City of the West.” San Francisco’s success and wealth during the last decade of the 19th Century meant garments became more than practical necessities. Fashion was alive and well in the City 

SAMURAI…The Warrior Horsemen of Japan

SAMURAI…The Warrior Horsemen of Japan

For eight centuries, the Samurai were an honored part of Japanese society. Pledging their lives to the protection and service of the ruling Shoguns, the Samurais were among the most skilled and disciplined warriors of all time.

The Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum brings a world class exhibit of authentic Samurai warrior armor and accessories to Santa Barbara County.

Fascinating, historical and terrifying at the same time, this private collection of Japanese Samurai warrior armor has never been displayed in public – and will never again. The exhibit features nine authentic Samurai armor suits along with Samurai helmets, ceremonial coats, foot coverings and weaponry.

Supported by an educational catalog with beautiful photographs and descriptions of each collection piece, this unique, historically rich exhibit is not to be missed.

Tribute to Willy Chamberlin

Tribute to Willy Chamberlin

Willy Chamberlin is being honored with an exhibition celebrating his life opening November 13 at the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum. Chamberlin, a storied Santa Ynez Valley cattleman, died in July at the age of 75. Chamberlin served as Santa Barbara County’s 3rd District Supervisor 

“Dressed to Impress”

“Dressed to Impress”

Since mankind’s first forays into body covering there has been an unspoken desire to impress each other. With whatever we wore there has always been that inner question “How do I look in this? What are people going to think about me?” At no time 

“THE WEST ON WOOD”

“THE WEST ON WOOD”

An Exhibit of Unique Art Designs on Wood by Paul Burtness

The folk art of burnishing art on to beautifully sanded wood has been a hobby of local resident and retired realtor, Paul Burtness, for the past decade.  Paul has created hundreds of art designs on beautifully sanded and shaped woods like Monterey Pine, Black Oak, Baywood, Cedar, Sycamore and more…and he’s never displayed even one piece of his unique artwork.

The Museum is proud to be able to have Paul showcase his Western designs on wood in a new exhibit “The West on Wood”.

“MOURNING GLORY”

“MOURNING GLORY”

Today, the feeling of grief and the period of mourning after the loss of a loved one, especially a spouse, is a personal choice. This was not always the case as less than 100 years ago mourning for women was a rigid, ritualized, very visual 

“IF THE SHOE FITS”

“IF THE SHOE FITS”

The Costume Council presents the history and variety of styles of shoes. This fascinating exhibit chronicles the rise of shoe fashion and style over the centuries with a huge variety of historic shoes on display. The exhibit includes shoes from a variety of private and 

“VAQUERO VISION”

“VAQUERO VISION”

“FROM SIDE SADDLE TO ASTRIDE”

“FROM SIDE SADDLE TO ASTRIDE”

This exhibition focuses on the fashion changes that have made women equal to men in all equestrian activities and sports. These are the only athletic pursuits where women and men now compete together and equally. One hundred years ago this would have been unthinkable. Featuring