Libraries

There are two libraries in the Lompoc Valley. The libraries are networked with other libraries in the Tri-Counties of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura Counties so that a great selection of books and references are obtainable.  The Lompoc Library is a complete library; and the Vandenberg Village Library has expanded to meet the needs of the Base community. The Lompoc Library also supervises an extension library in Buellton, CA.

The Lompoc Museum

The building housing the Lompoc Museum, Lompoc Historical Site No. 1 was built in 1910, and was one of 1679 libraries in 141 communities gifted by the Carnegie Corporation from 1886-1919. The Lompoc Grant was for $10,000, approved December 13, 1909, which was a generous amount for a town of Lompoc's Side at that time. (1910 Santa Barbara-Santa Maria-Lompoc population was 27, 738) Andrew Carnegie, a Scottish immigrant boy who became a tycoon in oil, steel and railroads, where vast fortunes were being made, established the Carnegie Corporation and its many philanthropic affiliates. For generations of Americans "Carnegie" has meant one thing, the hometown library. After serving as the Lompoc Library from 1910 - 1969, the building became the home of the Lompoc Museum.

The Lompoc Museum focuses on the archeology and history of the Lompoc Valley and Santa Barbara County, by maintaining exhibits, a research library, and sponsoring public programs. The Clarence Ruth Gallery houses ethnographic and archeological materials from Santa Barbara County, northern California, and other selected areas of the world. Clarence Emory Ruth donated the core of the archeological collection to the City of Lompoc in 1969. Clarence Ruth was a teacher and a principal of the Lompoc Elementary School, now known as El Camino, whose interest in archaeology began with his surveys and excavations of the local countrywide. His explorations ranged from California to Oregon, but his most detailed work was in the Lompoc area where he documented 60 Chumash village sites.

At the Lompoc Museum you enter a world about which little is known, but recreated in real objects - the world of the Chumash Indians. Allow yourself to step back a few hundred years and imagine their tranquil world, where condors' wings filled the air and mountain lion and grizzly roamed the chaparral hills.

The Lompoc Museum
200 South "H" Street
Lompoc, CA 93436
736-3888

Museum Hours:
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Tuesday - Fridays
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Saturday and Sunday
Lompoc Museum website

Musical Organizations

The Lompoc Music Association is an outlet for local talented musicians to perform and to broaden their musical horizon. Performances sometimes include musicians outside the area.
Contact 736-8702.

The Lompoc Valley Master Chorale is an established musical institution. There are summer and winter performances.
visit www.lvmasterchorale.org or check their member listing in the Chamber membership directory.

The Lompoc Concert Association ihas been providing entertainment to the community for over 60 years.. There are four or five concerts each year which bring internationally-known artists to Lompoc for performances.
visit www.lompocconcert.org for information, or check their member listing in the Chamber membership directory.

Lompoc Pops Orchestra, features local Central Coast musicians and performs twice each year. This is the only pops orchestra on the central coast of California. Visit www.lompocpopsorchestra.org or check their member listing in the Chamber membership directory.

Both Cabrillo and Lompoc High Schools have madrigal singer groups, choirs, bands and orchestra which perform occasionally for the public.

Theatre

Lompoc Civic Theatre "Keeps Theatre Live in Lompoc" with live performances. An ongoing schedule of dinner theatre performances and a main stage production are the highlights of LCT's activities. For more information, call 735-ACT1.
Visit Civic Theatre website or check their member listing in the Chamber membership directory.

Lompoc Valley Historical Society

The Lompoc Valley Historical Society is home to the Fabing-McKay-Spanne House, Lompoc's first two story wooden residence. The home was built in 1875 by Henry Wadsworth Fabing, less than a year after the founding of the town of Lompoc. The society has owned the property since 1969, completely refurbishing the home and furnishing it in true victorian style typical of the early 20th century. Also included on the property is a blacksmith shop, carriage house, museum room and reference library. The facility is open on Monday and Thursday mornings (except federal holidays) from 9 to 11 a.m. and on the fourth Saturday of the month from 1 to 4 p.m.