E-newsletter
Gymnasts in front of the Purser Apartments, circa 1940s. Photo: Santa Monica Public Library
Don't miss the 2022 Annual Meeting & Preservation Awards on Sunday, June 5 at 3 p.m. At our live virtual event, you'll get the chance to meet our new Co-Executive Directors, Kaitlin Drisko and Allison Sampson, who will be leading our organization's future growth!

We'll celebrate our 2022 Preservation Awards in an illustrated presentation, hold brief Board elections, update you on our advocacy, and offer a preview of our upcoming programs.

Don’t miss this opportunity to recognize the people and projects that bring preservation to life in Santa Monica! RSVP to our free event today.
Kaitlin Drisko brings more than 30 years of experience in architectural design and historic preservation. With degrees in both architecture and engineering, she has served as the historic architect on a number of preservation projects that merge architectural principles with conservation practices. Over the years she has developed a rich knowledge of historic preservation best practices, traditional building materials, preservation advocacy, and stewardship of historic cultural properties. She is privileged to have participated in the rehabilitation of such iconic properties as the San Gabriel Mission, Manzanar National Historic Site, Wilshire Ebell, Scripps College, Wilshire Boulevard Temple, John Anson Ford Amphitheatre, Lopez Adobe, as well as churches, museums, and National Park Service sites. Her work has been awarded by the City of Claremont, California Preservation Foundation and California Office of Historic Preservation. As a 25+ year Santa Monica resident, Kaitlin looks forward to working within the community to celebrate our architectural heritage and promote a widespread understanding of the cultural, social and environmental benefits of historic preservation. Kaitlin previously served on the Santa Monica Conservancy Board for 6 years.

“I would like to engage a diverse group of constituents in historic preservation that enhances our community life together and create a culture of giving that supports the Conservancy’s mission and ensures the long-term sustainability of the organization.”
Allison Sampson is an experienced leader in the fields of strategic planning, executive leadership, fundraising, coalition building, organizational development, and project management. She was most recently the Vice President and Executive Director for Emerson College’s satellite campus in Hollywood for six years, and prior to that, she served as Senior Vice President at The Colburn School for seven years. From 1994 to 2010 she led Allison Sampson Management Consultants, dedicated to serving more than 100 clients in the nonprofit and public sectors. She has been consulting with nonprofit and government entities for more than 20 years, helping organizations and public sector clients advance during times of opportunity, change, and crisis. She specialized in change without controversy, guiding organizations through the process of development to realize their goals. At the heart of her mission is a commitment to working as a strong coalition builder and enhancing organizations’ partnerships and financial resources while guiding them through change. Allison was also a consultant to the Getty with Los Angeles’ Historic Resources Survey and the creation of the Office of Historic Resources. She has also served as a strategic consultant for the Santa Monica Conservancy for repeat engagements since 2008.

“Joining the team at the Santa Monica Conservancy to support its amazing work is an honor. I look forward to continuing to build the profile of the Conservancy, as well as grow the membership and their involvement. As society re-opens post-Covid, the Conservancy offers all of us an opportunity to reflect on our past, influence the preservation of our history, and enjoy the richness of our city."
"The Santa Monica Conservancy plays a vital role in historical preservation advocacy and education in our community. I'm a member because I'm so proud of this city that I've called home for the past 19 years, and I believe that the lessons we take from the past help us all forge a better future. If you agree, and you love this special place as much as I do, I hope that you'll consider supporting the conservancy's mission through membership or a supporting contribution." – Rob Schwenker
Friend, your generosity sustains the Santa Monica Conservancy! Join, renew or become a monthly donor and receive the benefits of membership. Your gift helps protect historic places in Santa Monica and enables us to develop new and exciting programs for our community. Thank you!
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Docents at the Happy Birthday Marion! celebration in 2019. Photo: Annenberg Community Beach House
The Santa Monica Conservancy is seeking new volunteers and docents. Volunteering is a unique opportunity to make an impact on historic preservation and meet others in the community who share your interest in local history and preservation. Opportunities are open to anyone with the time and interest. No prior experience is necessary. Apply online today or email us at [email protected] for an application form.
Conservancy Tours & Events
Fri.-Sun., May 20-22, from 12-2 p.m.
415 Pacific Coast Highway
Enjoy a free tour led by Conservancy docents and learn about the rich history of the Marion Davies Guest House, which was built by William Randolph Hearst for actress Marion Davies. The hottest spot on Santa Monica’s Gold Coast during the 1920s, guests included Charlie Chaplin and Greta Garbo. The 20-minute tours are available on a walk-up basis. Learn more
Sat., May 21 at 10 a.m.
1436 2nd Street
Discover the architectural gems and rich history of Downtown Santa Monica on our highly-rated guided tour. From Art Deco to Victorian and Romanesque Revival, you’ll explore the various styles that fill the streets of our city. Tours are approx. 2 hours and cover 6 blocks. Free for members and $10 for the general public. Register
Free In-Person Tours
Sat. & Sun., May 21 & 22, from 12-2 p.m.
2520 2nd Street
Come and visit the last intact shotgun house in Santa Monica! Discover the journey of this incredible little house, which was saved from demolition and moved–on wheels–three times before being adapted into our modern-day Center. Reservations are not required. Learn more
Watch recordings of our Santa Monica Mosaic series, and discover the history and journeys of our African American, Japanese American, Mexican American, Tongva, and Jewish communities. Subscribe and enjoy our free archive today! Watch
Your donations help save the historic places you love and the stories of our community. We believe that historic preservation should improve social equity and recognize the history of our marginalized communities. Your gift to the Preservation Advocacy Fund will ensure that we can continue our important work!
Community News & Events
Buckle up! You’re in the driver’s seat on this fun driving tour through ’70s Los Angeles! The L.A. Conservancy’s downloadable guide includes three tour itineraries (with 30+ 1970s era sites), digital audio commentaries, and a digital playlist of ‘70s music to set the mood! Register
Santa Monica History Museum
Exhibit open through December 23
1350 7th Street
Learn how residents built Broadway into a flourishing community of color – and how the Interstate 10 freeway destroyed it in the 1960s. Explore the advertisements, oral histories, photographs, and songs from the archival material collected by the Quinn Research Center. Visit museum
Santa Monica Conservancy
310-496-3146

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