For article number four in my series about west coast fossil museums I am taking you to the Creation & Earth History Museum in Santee, CA. It is located about 20 minutes east of downtown San Diego. The co-author of the Genesis Flood book, Dr. Henry Morris, founded the Creation & Earth History Museum as a component part of the Institute for Creation Research (ICR) in 1992. At that time I believe the 10,000 square foot museum was the largest high-quality creation museum in the United States.
Museum in the mid-1990s (See Dr. Henry Morris seated on 2nd step).
Museum entrance in November 2000 at time of J.D. Mitchell visit.
In 2006 ICR moved to Dallas, Texas and subsequently sold the entire museum and its contents to Mr. Tom Canter and his wife who were owners of Scantibodies Laboratory, Inc. The new owners of the museum have maintained the original biblical creationist foundational message ever since. A non-profit 501c3 corporation called the Life and Light Foundation was formed and continues to operate the museum and direct its associated creation evangelism efforts.
Museum and Ministry Logo.
Current Exterior View of Creation & Earth History Museum.
The current stated mission of the museum as found on the company website is: “To provide scriptural and scientific evidence that reinforces the biblical account of creation and to support the body of Christ in fulfilling its great commission by offering educational and evangelistic opportunities through interactive museum experiences and activities.”
The design of the museum is basically laid out chronologically taking museum guests from the beginning of time according to Genesis, through the worldwide Flood, the events at Babel, and then the Ice Age. For those interested in fossils there are three exhibits that will provide greatest fascination: “Dinosaur Soft Tissue,” “Noah’s Ark—Worldwide Flood,” and “Grand Canyon Wall & Fossils—Evidence for a Flood.”
Dinosaur Soft Tissue Exhibit.
Noah’s Ark & Worldwide Flood Exhibit.
In addition to these exhibits there are many other exhibits to learn from as well as a book store where biblical creation materials can be purchased.
Museum Map.
In summary this creation museum is a great stop for anyone planning to visit the many sights and sites of the San Diego area. All of the exhibits are based on true history as found in God’s Word. I would recommend allowing a minimum of two hours for your visit. The local address is 10946 Woodside Ave. N., Santee, CA 92071.
J.D. Mitchell
