Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

In the Maximus Gallery

Yesteryear USA

Current Exhibits
• The Illustrated Bird
Opens September 12

Archived Exhibits
• Slither
• Painting History
• Artistry & Necessity
• Omnis Ex Ovo
• Daring Pursuits
• For Love of Nature
• Natural Symmetry
• Garden of Earthly Delights
• America My Country
• Classifying Nature
• Beetles Up Close
• Orchidaceae
• Yesteryear USA
• Birds of a Feather

Online Gallery

Maximus Collection Home

October 4, 2002 through January 5, 2003
John and Peggy Maximus Gallery

Homes, family farms, business buildings, churches, and schools from both California and Missouri are featured in "Yesteryear USA," an exhibit of 19th century hand-colored prints published by Thompson and West between 1877 and 1885. The birds-eye-view perspective in the prints is detailed and exact, revealing much about the everyday life in these communities as well as the pride and accomplishments of their citizens.

Once considered the stepchild of historical research, these prints have become an important source of early American history. They chronicle local life during the formative years of the States and have become rare and valuable documents.

Also on display will be the History of Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties published in 1883. Drawn from biographical sketches and newspaper archives, this important book chronicles a time when Santa Barbara’s inhabitants numbered 3,000. Events such as Santa Barbara’s early struggle to secure a railroad, the spiritualism movement, and notorious scandals are recorded.

Paine Livery; Gilroy, California

Top, left. "Home-Stead", Boone County, Missouri. Above. Joh Paine's Livery Stable; Gilroy, California. Below. "Lone Tree Ranch", Santa Clara, California.

Farm