Samo Employee of the month: Darren Davis
Darren is responsible for a little explored, but fascinating and important area of the Santa Monica Mountains. Under SAMO Fund, he manages, preserves, and catalogs all of the museum collections for Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.
The museum collections range from photos to maps and to documents of ranching families seeking out a life in southern California as well as artifacts and archeological materials belonging to the indigenous tribes in the Santa Monica Mountains and vicinity. The photos show fashions and landscapes of the last century, and artifacts provide glimpses into a world that may otherwise be lost. These photos were precious to the owners, capturing a slice of their lives and sealing their memories for posterity. Documents include federal records and personal papers as well as campaigns to preserve areas of our surrounding mountains.
Unfortunately, the Woolsey Fire of 2018 burnt down the building containing the recreation area’s museum collection. Over 800,000 items were lost, most of them irreplaceable personal photos, letters and documents. Since then, people have reached out and Darren has collected an impressive number of documents and photos that were hidden away in attics and old boxes across the area. One day this collection will be an invaluable resource to those seeking to understand the past and improve the future. Each of these must be preserved and painstakingly cataloged, which is where Darren excels. He is the primary contact for researchers and works closely with members of the public, park volunteers and staff, historical societies, universities, and Hollywood archives to help them find primary sources and their histories within the National Park Service collections.
Thanks to Darren for taking time out of his work to let us learn how history is being preserved and protected!
