GREAT ESCAPE: Agricultural History Project in Watsonville

It’s like Grandpa’s farm, only better. The past comes alive at the Agricultural History Project in Watsonville, where historic buildings, old farm equipment and other pieces of local ag history have been preserved. A restored railroad caboose, resident chickens and picnic tables make it a great place to take youngsters.

What to do here: A special family-oriented event is planned each month to celebrate the history project's 25th anniversary. April’s event is an Easter egg hunt, Saturday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., with separate hunts for younger and older kids. Other egg-citing activities include making Easter bonnets, hats and baskets. The event is free, but donations will be gratefully accepted.

Families are invited to bring a picnic basket and blanket to enjoy a picnic on the lawn, and to pet the kid-friendly animals that will be on site.

Next up, on May 21, is “A Day on the Farm,” which will include an antique tractor rodeo, craft demonstrations, lots of animals and other special activities.

Why we like it: The Agricultural History Project (AHP), in a park-like setting at the entrance to the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds in Watsonville, is a low-key way to introduce local history and agricultural concepts to your little ones. Old tools like plows and water pumps can be explored, and the exhibits inside the Codiga Center & Museum range from “When Apples Were King” to “Legacy of the Vaqueros.” There are also extensive displays of fruit jars, milk bottles and dairy items from olden times.

AHP’s mission is to educate, preserve, exhibit and collect local agricultural history, as well as to build community awareness about the economic, cultural, ethnic and historical significance of agriculture in the Pajaro Valley and nearby areas. It has three major buildings that house a collection of more than 10,000 artifacts and a multitude of books in the research library. In the Porter Implement Shed, there’s a collection of restored horse-drawn equipment, such as plows, binders, reapers and planters; inside the Snyder Building, early artifacts are waiting to be refurbished. The nearby Madesko Gazebo offers a shady spot in which to rest, and picnic tables are available as well.

And even more to like: For serious researchers, an extensive non-circulating collection of books, photos and historic pamphlets can be found on the second story of the Codiga Center, although research is by appointment only.

About the Agricultural History Project: Twenty-five years ago, 16 residents of Pajaro Valley met with the goal of preserving the area’s agricultural past, which stretches back 150 years. The Agricultural History Project received its nonprofit status in 1987 and then began looking for a site for its museum, finally settling on the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds in 1991. Since then, visitors from all over the United States have come to learn about the history of agriculture in Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito counties. Potatoes and wheat were the original crops in the Pajaro Valley; today, strawberries, lettuce and raspberries dominate.

Directions and phone: The Agricultural History Project is located at the entrance to the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds at 2601 East Lake Ave., Watsonville. Take Highway 152 west; not long after the road becomes East Lake Avenue, look for the entrance to the fairgrounds. AHP hours are Thursday through Sunday, noon-4 p.m.; tours for school classes or other groups are available by appointment. Parking is plentiful and free. Admission is free, but visitors are asked to donate $2 per person. Call 831-724-5898 or visit aghistoryproject.org for more information.