A dream spanning decades will become reality with the opening of the Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center later this month to share the lengthy history and stories of the tribe. 

On Thursday, tribal leaders announced the long-awaited museum would open to the public May 15. Approximately 100 people attended the sneak peek, including elected officials and business leaders.

“This beautiful space honors the rich history, culture and heritage of our tribe. It stands as a testament to the strength, resilience and beauty of our people, preserving stories, traditions and wisdom that have been passed down through generations,” said Kenneth Kahn, chairman of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. 

With its distinctive design inspired by tribal history and culture, the 14,000-square-foot facility at 3500 Numancia St. sits on 6.9 acres along Highway 246 between Cuesta and Edison streets. The free parking lot can be accessed from Numancia. 

“Our museum is giving us the opportunity to tell our history, our stories from our eyes and the eyes of our ancestors. This space is not only for educating, but for healing and for honoring,” said Kathleen Marshall, who leads the museum’s board. 

Tribal leaders previously put a $32-million price tag on the state-of-the-art facility. In addition to the three main buildings the site has a 3.5-acre cultural park featuring an amphitheater.

Landscaping includes 11,000 plants and trees with 94 different species native to the Chumash people and used for food, medicines and making items used in their daily lives. 

Nakia Zavalla, vice chair of the museum board and cultural director, became emotional as she recalled feeling invisible as a young student of Chumash heritage where U.S. history lessons failed to mention Native Americans. 

When she asked her high school history teacher about the role of the Chumash, he shrugged it off and suggested she check out a book from the library.

“I think we all agree this is way better than a book you check out at the library,” Zavalla said as those in the audience applauded. 

Interactive exhibits share important Chumash locations on the Central Coast along with details about basket weaving, tomol (Chumash plank canoe), members’ military service and more. Over the years, the tribe has amassed a collection of more than 24,000 objects. 

In addition to English, the local tribe’s Chumash language of Samala is displayed throughout the site. 

“Please take in all of the Samala around the museum as it stands as a testament to the tenacity and power of our people,” Zavalla said. “Your journey through the exhibits will not only be an educational experience but also a celebration of our enduring heritage.”

State Sen. Monique Limón, a former educator, said she was happy to learn dozens of schools have lined up bring students to the museum to learn about Chumash history and culture. 

“The museum stands as living proof of the enduring history and contributions the Chumash have made in the past, continue to make today and undoubtedly will make in the future,” she said. 

Tribal leaders gathered in 2018 to announced the start of the long-awaited dream of creating a museum to capture the history and share the culture of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians.

The museum was designed by the Seattle-based Jones & Jones Architects and Landscape Architects. Founding Partner Johnpaul Jones, who is Choctaw/Cherokee by heritage, was one of the principal designers of the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian on the Mall in Washington, D.C.

When tribal leaders announced the project, they estimated construction would take two years but it lasted much longer. The project encountered a number of difficulties beyond the pandemic.

“We are so excited for this museum to open and to be able to show off everything the Chumash have provided to our community…” said Shelby Sim, president and CEO of Visit Santa Ynez Valley. 

Asked by a tribal leader if visitors might stay an extra day to visit the new Chumash facility, Sim said he replied, “They’re going to come just for the museum.”

Starting May 15, the museum will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays, and tickets can be purchased online at www.sychumashmuseum.org. 

Admission is $15 for adults (18-64), $12 for seniors (65+), $12 for teens (13-17), $10 for children (3-12), $12 for military members (with ID) and free for toddlers (2 and under).

In addition to the exhibits, the museum includes a gift shop that offers various items such as jewelry and more made by tribal members. 

“Don’t leave without visiting that gift shop,” Kahn told the crowd.