
Current Exhibits

Snapshots of La Panza
As Seen Through the Eyes of the Still Family
This unique exhibit features photos, in the form of cabinet cards and a video, of the Still Family who came to the La Panza area during the only Coastal Range gold rush in 1879. The photos are from a Still Family photo album and 76 glass plate negatives donated to the PRAHS & Museum. The Pioneer Museum also provided several photos from their collection of the Still family. The 'snapshots' provide the viewer with an insight into the daily life of one pioneering family in the remote area southeast of Paso Robles. Many of the photographs were likely taken by Dr. Still's daughter, Dabirma Still MacLean, the most prolific woman photographer of her time.

Celebrating Our Mining History
Mining in and around the Paso Robles area dates back to 1862 with the discovery of cinnabar in the Santa Lucia Mountains. Gold was discovered in the La Panza area in the early 1800s and there was a minor Gold rush in 1878. Chromite has been mined in San Luis Obispo County since about 1870 and coal was discovered in 1875 in Slack Canyon, northeast of San Miguel. There are presently 52 active mining claims. This exhibit provides a glimpse into our mining history.

The Ties That Bind Us
Santa Margarita Historical Society, established in 2004, has partnered with the Paso Robles Area Historical Society & Museum with an exhibit titled: “The Ties That Binds Us.” This exhibit beautifully compliments the Paso Robles History Museum’s exhibit: “A Snapshot of La Panza Through the Eyes of the Still Family.” You will discover the rich history of Santa Margarita, the gateway to North San Luis Obispo County, La Panza, and the Carrizo Plains. You will also learn about the lives of a family that stayed connected despite the distances between them.

Salinan Exhibit
Salinan artifacts are displayed, courtesy of Salinan Tribe, 7070 Morro Road, Suite A, Atascadero, CA, Patti Dunton, Tribal Administrator.
