The Museum of Monterey has been reinvented by the Monterey History & Art Association (MHAA) for a new era. California’s progressive, inclusive and creative spirit is a lighthouse to the world and it all started in Monterey. In 1846, without firing a shot, Commodore John Drake Sloat captured Monterey and claimed California as American domain. In 1849, the California state constitution was written, debated and signed in Monterey. Within the next year, California became the first state in the West. In 1931, a group of Monterey visionaries created the MHAA to honor this unique contribution to the west’s history. MoM will continue MHHA’s mission to identify and preserve those objects that tell the story of Monterey’s historic role in the birth and development of the wildly innovative state of California. And further to provide an environment and support for those individuals and organizations whose new stories demonstrate and celebrate that bold creative spirit. Building on the past, MoM will help make living history – locally, regionally and globally.