As October draws to a close, so too does our celebration of American Archives Month. We’ve spent the last few weeks diving deep into the rich history of this iconic seaside park, reflecting on the stories, milestones, and moments that have shaped the Boardwalk. Thanks to those of you who submitted your questions! Be sure to visit our social media channels to see the answers. You can also check out our past American Archives Month blog posts HERE.
At first glance, you might not think archives and roller coasters go hand in hand, but believe me—they do! The Boardwalk is not just a place for thrills and seaside fun; it’s a living, breathing piece of California history. And without our archives, we’d lose touch with the incredible journey that has taken the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk from its humble beginnings in 1907 to the award-winning amusement park it is today.
Celebrating the Power of Archives
Archives are so much more than boxes of dusty papers; they hold the records that allow us to look back and see our journey—from the smallest decisions to the biggest game-changers. Every file, every document, every photograph is a piece of the puzzle that tells the story of how we got here. Archives empower us to learn from the past and inspire our future.
Our Legacy of Fun and Family
Thanks to carefully preserved records, photos, and memorabilia, we can trace every twist and turn of our 117-year history. From the opening of the Casino in 1907, to the construction of our iconic Giant Dipper in 1924, our archives tell the story of how we’ve been bringing joy to generations of visitors. Without these treasures, we wouldn’t be able to relive or learn from the vibrant history that makes the Boardwalk so special.
Our archives serve as a powerful reminder that everything we do today is connected to the decisions made by those who came before us. These archives are a time capsule of fun, filled with everything from black-and-white photos of early visitors in their finest beachwear, to colorful postcards capturing the park’s evolution over the decades. They don’t just tell the story of the Boardwalk; they tell the story of the people who’ve made this place what it is.
Looking Ahead—With History as Our Guide
As we wrap up this year’s American Archives Month, we do so with a deep sense of pride. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk’s history isn’t just something we preserve in a back room—it’s something we live every day. Every ride, every event, every smile that crosses the Boardwalk today is connected to the decisions, innovations, and traditions that came before.
So, here’s to our history—rich, vibrant, and well-preserved—and here’s to the future we’re building together. Thank you for joining us on this journey through American Archives Month. Let’s continue making history worth archiving!
– Jessie
