Founded in 1963 by Dr. Pearl Chase and other concerned community leaders, SBTHP is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization and the primary force in the reconstruction and preservation of El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park—Santa Barbara’s 18th century birthplace—and Casa de la Guerra—the 1820s home of Santa Barbara patriarch José de la Guerra. Today the Casa is an historic house museum featuring original furnishings and temporary exhibitions. In 2008, SBTHP signed an agreement with California State Parks to operate and develop the Santa Inés Mission Mills in Solvang, California—two 1820s fulling and grist mills which are part of a National Historic Landmark District—as a future California State Park. SBTHP recently purchased the building that housed Jimmy’s Oriental Gardens, providing an opportunity to interpret the history of Santa Barbara’s Asian community in the presidio neighborhood. With the help of continuing education activities and exhibits, SBTHP strives to encourage community involvement and foster an appreciation for Santa Barbara’s distinct history.Founded in 1963 by Dr. Pearl Chase and other concerned community leaders, SBTHP is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization and the primary force in the reconstruction and preservation of El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park—Santa Barbara’s 18th century birthplace—and Casa de la Guerra—the 1820s home of Santa Barbara patriarch José de la Guerra. Today the Casa is an historic house museum featuring original furnishings and temporary exhibitions. In 2008, SBTHP signed an agreement with California State Parks to operate and develop the Santa Inés Mission Mills in Solvang, California—two 1820s fulling and grist mills which are part of a National Historic Landmark District—as a future California State Park. SBTHP recently purchased the building that housed Jimmy’s Oriental Gardens, providing an opportunity to interpret the history of Santa Barbara’s Asian community in the presidio neighborhood. With the help of continuing education activities and exhibits, SBTHP strives to encourage community involvement and foster an appreciation for Santa Barbara’s distinct history.

Our Mission

To preserve, restore, reconstruct and interpret historic sites in Santa Barbara County.

 Our Vision

To bring alive the history of Santa Barbara for present and future generations.