Activities thrive at The Agricultural History Project
Spring is right around the corner and thanks to the rain, we will soon be enjoying an abundance of spring flowers. There’s been a flurry of activity happening at the Agricultural History Project, located at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. Each Tuesday, a group of volunteers get together and work on restorations of antique farm equipment and tours of the facility are ongoing. There’s always something happening at AHP.
Formerly known as the Harvest Dinner held in the fall, the crew at the Ag History Project have decide to shake things up and completely transform this great event into a Spring Round Up to be held on April 22. The museum will be open for folks to enjoy the many historical displays and stroll through the barns to see hundreds of artifacts which make the history of agriculture come to life. It’s an evening of catching up with old friends and making new friends while enjoying great food, along with exciting auction items. Proceeds from this event go toward preserving the mission of the Agricultural History Project which honors and promotes knowledge about agriculture on the Central Coast of California, both past and present. The Spring Round Up is the Agricultural History Project’s only fundraiser, and tickets are available on Eventbrite.
Have you ever wanted to take a step back in time? Each month, Second Saturday on the Farm is your opportunity to see and experience what life on the farm was like in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. This event is for the young and the young-at-heart, so grab your kids, grandkids, friends and neighbors and come on down to the Agricultural History Project each second Saturday of the month from 11:00am-3:00pm. Just a few of the activities are tractor driving, wooden cow milking and the old-fashioned water pump for kids to experience the good ol’ days of life on the farm. You’ll even learn to drive a tractor and go on an old-fashioned hay wagon ride. Kids will delight in feeding the Ag History chickens! Bring your lunch and enjoy our picnic areas with tables under the trees or spread a blanket on the grass. This is an event for the entire family! Admission is FREE and donations are gladly accepted.
With over 20,000 square feet of exhibits, there’s an abundance of things to see and do at the Agricultural History Project, so why not book a private tour and learn more about the history of crops, people, food processing and farm equipment. Docents are very knowledgeable and welcome you to enjoy a hay ride and to enjoy an on-site lunch. Exhibits are in four buildings connected with concrete pavement that easily accommodates any accessibility needs. To make a reservation for a private tour, please call 831-724-5898. The Agricultural History Project preserves, exhibits, collects and builds community awareness to the economic, cultural and ethnic aspects of agriculture in the area.