In order to keep museum experiences dynamic, engaging, and relevant, CCSPA is proud to sponsor traveling exhibitions at the Morro Bay Museum of Natural History and Spooner Ranch House at Montaña de Oro State Park. These traveling exhibits feature various natural, cultural, and historic topics to expand the interpretive opportunities offered at their respective locations. See below for what’s on display at each site!
Traveling Museum Exhibits
Morro Bay State Park Museum of Natural History
The Curious World of Seaweed
October 15 – December 15
Through stunning color “portraits” of specimens, scientifically-accurate text panels, and surprising stories highlighting Indigenous peoples’ and women’s connections to seaweed, The Curious World of Seaweed provides a new look at marine flora.
Join us for the Exhibit Launch, November 1st, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM at the Morro Bay Museum of Natural History
CCSPA and CA State Parks are honored to welcome Josie Iselin, photographer and author of, The Curious World of Seaweed, to the Museum of Natural History for our Exhibit Launch! Iselin will give a presentation about her work and her Seaweed exhibit being featured now until December 15. Snacks and refreshments will be provided to accompany your experience exploring the variety of seaweed specimens and informational panels. Iselin will be available for book signing and sale so make sure to bring your copy!
October 15 – December 15
Spooner Ranch House at Montaña de Oro State Park
World War II on the Central Coast
On Display Indefinitely
This exhibit, developed by State Park staff, examines the impact of World War II on the Central Coast, and especially on the San Luis Obispo Coast District of California State Parks.
World War II was a global event that impacted the Central Coast in myriad ways—from the influx of soldiers who trained at Camp San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay, to the expulsion of residents of Japanese descent from their coastal homes, to the gripping fear of a potential attack on the coast that initiated coastal “black outs.” The exhibition explores this history through panels, audio recordings, and tactile displays that engage visitors in the experience of WWII along the Central Coast, and especially within our local State Parks.
Through examining the events of WWII that took place at our local State Parks, this exhibition endeavors to broaden historical perspectives and bring to light some of the lesser-known stories of this period of local and international turmoil.
Morro Bay State Park Museum of Natural History
Albatross: Life on the Wind and Sea
December 24 – April 21
Explore albatross biology and their conservation with colorful art and engaging, informative text.
Off the California coast, albatrosses soar effortlessly over the churning sea and through storms. These ancient creatures have been misunderstood by humans throughout history, blamed for bad weather on ships, ridiculed for their clumsy gait on land. But what is life really like for an albatross? Family-friendly exhibit Albatross: Life on the Wind and Sea sweeps you into the world of this mysterious seabird.
Join us for the Exhibit Launch, March 14th, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Morro Bay Museum of Natural History
Past Exhibits:
Beauty and the Beast: California Wildflowers and Climate Change (March 2023 – September 2023)
Seeds: Nature’s Artful Engineering (October 2022 – February 2023)
Seeds: Nature’s Artful Engineering (October 2022 – February 2023)
Her Side of the Story: Tales of California Pioneer Women (June 2022 – October 2022)
Dog Boats and Rum Runners in State Parks: San Luis Obispo County in the Prohibition Era (November 2021 – June 2022)
Bear in Mind: The Story of the California Grizzly (November 2021 – January 2022)
We Are Not Strangers Here: African American Histories in Rural California (August 2021 – October 2021)
Do you want to contribute to CCSPA’s efforts in funding traveling exhibits and exhibit upgrades? Make a donation to CCSPA today! With your support, these facilities will continue to provide meaningful, memorable educational opportunities for the thousands of visitors who come to them each year.
* Be sure to select “Traveling Exhibits & Exhibit Upgrades” as your program of support in the drop-down menu.