We are a museum of family and community history related to the early farming, ranching and oil industry culture and history of the area, located in the heart of Southern California, preserving five generations of memories and artifacts. The museum's predecessor, the Rancho Santa Gertrudes Historical Society, was founded August 9, 1983, and the Hathaway Ranch Museum was incorporated as an operating foundation in October, 1986.
Nadine Hathaway was the driving force behind both the formation and successful daily operation of both the historical society and the museum, and she was enthusiastically involved in the daily activities of the Hathaway Ranch Museum up until late 2000, when failing health finally prevented any further strenuous daily participation. Richard F. (Dick) Hathaway, was also active alongside his wife, Nadine, supporting her various historical interests up until his passing in 1986 with his extensive historical knowledge of the area and his collection of historic books, maps photographs and artifacts.
The museum's five-acre site holds some one-hundred and forty years of Hathaway family and community history.
