Santa Barbara Sights

Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum

#6 of 71 things to do in Santa Barbara

#300 of 27205 things to do in North America

1 reviews | Write a review

  • Address
    • 21 W Anapamu St Downtown
  • Website
  • Phone
    • tel, info: 805 962 5322
  • Hours
    • 10:00-16:00

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Lonely Planet review for Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum

The free Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum is an embarrassment of riches for history nerds, science geeks and music lovers. Filled with historical written artifacts from the private collection of David Karpeles, a Santa Barbara real-estate investor, it's a true SoCal treasure.

One of just eight Karpeles manuscript museums in the country, this branch houses the original proposed draft of the Bill of Rights, an Emancipation Proclamation Amendment signed by Abraham Lincoln, and Einstein's description of the theory of relativity. A recent special exhibit highlighting historic women contained writings from Lucretia Borgia, Catherine the Great and Harriet Beecher Stowe. Lots of helpful explanatory brochures are available.

 

Traveller reviews for Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum (1)

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    For History Lovers

    jackstone recommends this,

    Original drafts from the Emancipation Proclamation and Bill of Rights? To me that is down right exciting; my inner History major is shining through. This place is actually quite impressive and well worth a visit if you are in the area and interested in original manuscripts that have shaped our society! I loved that I found this place when I was lost wandering around town too! It is actually really close to my hotel I always stay at whenever I am in town! The Sandman Inn (www.thesandmaninn.com). So budget friendly and the location is pristine! So quaint and cozy.

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