Big Sur Historical Society

The mission of the Big Sur Historical Society is to preserve historical artifacts and information relative to the Big Sur coast; and to educate the local and visiting public about the area’s history.

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Molera Ranch House Museum

The Molera Ranch House showcases the rich heritage of the coast. Come view displays and artifacts of Big Sur artists, authors, early pioneers, indigenous peoples, and life in Big Sur over a period of years. The museum shop has a selection of books about Big Sur and the surrounding area.

HOURS OF OPERATION

Publications

Available at the Ranch House Museum shop and at local bookstores. We are pleased to offer book purchases online and by mailed check.

Get Your Copy

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About Our Society

The Big Sur Historical Society was founded in 1978 to preserve and promote Big Sur’s rich cultural heritage. Over the years, BSHS has grown to an organization with over 100 members, an Archive building, and a museum located in the historic Ranch House at Andrew Molera State Park. BSHS gratefully acknowledges the cooperation of Post Ranch Inn and the California Department of Parks and Recreation in making space available for our Archive and Museum.

First car through the completed road bed for highway 1 between Cambria and Carmel, September 18th, 1934

Fun at Pico Beach

Prior to the 1983 "Big Slide" near Mcway Canyon, the waterfall at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park emptied directly into the ocean. Mud from the slide has now created a beach at the base of the fall.

Thanksgiving 1954 at Livermore Ledge. Poet Eric Barker faces the camera.

Hans and Esther Ewoldsen in costume for the Big Sur 4th of July parade in 1979.

Steve and Alice Jaeger who built and ran Loma Vista. Steve was a well known bronc rider and Alice a descendant of the Post family.

Doris Fee and her father with a splendid catch from the Big Sur River.

Ripplewood Resort

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Photo by Miles G McBreen

Meetings

General membership meetings are held 3 – 4 times a year and are usually a field trip with picnic lunch to an area of local interest. Trips are often to private property and so are member-only events.

Membership

Please join us in our preservation efforts by becoming a member. Our Membership categories include Individual, Family, Business or Institution, and Life Member.

Find out more by clicking the button below.

Photo by Miles G McBreen