From the Ground Up: The Life of Vernon Brunson at the Santa Monica History Museum

The Santa Monica History Museum presents a new exhibition, From the Ground Up: The Life of Vernon Brunson, an examination of Vernon Brunson’s remarkable life in Santa Monica and his impact on the community through his creative and scientific endeavors and commitment to civil rights. Opening Saturday, February 3.

Born into one of the first Black families in Santa Monica, Brunson was a poet, playwright, and columnist for the California Eagle newspaper. Despite encountering barriers in aviation due to racism, he channeled his passion by becoming an electromechanical designer at Hughes Aircraft. Additionally, he founded a branch of the Black Wings Flying Club, championing inclusivity in aviation.

Vernon Brunson and his wife Amanda in their home on 20th Street in Santa Monica. Santa Monica History Museum CollecLon

Brunson was a vocal advocate for equality, contributing an accessibility ramp to the design for Santa Monica City Hall, emphasizing the intersection of his work with the broader social issues of his time.

The exhibition positions Brunson within the context of Black architects like Paul Revere Williams, showcasing his collaborations and highlighting his impact on the architectural landscape. Visitors can expect to see a diverse array of his work, from architectural plans to paintings, furniture designs, and even a unique “selfie” mechanism he created for his camera.

Vernon Brunson, Santa Monica History Museum CollecLon (36.2.1013) ca1969

From the Ground Up: The Life of Vernon Brunson will be featured in the museum’s Quinn Gallery, established under a partnership with the Quinn Research Center, an archive for Black Family History. “We are so excited to continue to deepen our relationship and further our work with the Quinn Research Center through this fascinating look at the life of the extraordinary Vernon Brunson,” said Rob Schwenker, Executive Director of the Santa Monica History Museum. “Brunson was a true renaissance man, and we’re honored to present his story.”

The Museum is typically open on Thursdays from 2pm to 5pm and Friday through Sunday from 11am to 5pm.

General admission is $5.00
First Sunday Free Admission
Museum admission is always FREE for SMHM Members.
Children (under 17), Seniors (65+), Students, Active Duty Military/Veterans & SNAP/EBT cardholders.