Norm Braga’s Barn

A Salinas native, Norman Braga started farming with his father, Sebastian, and brothers Ernest and Stanley after earning his college degree and serving two years in the Army.

Norm became highly regarded in Monterey County and Salinas Valley agricultural circles, and was a longtime, active member of a great number of organizations, including the Grower Shipper Association, Western Growers, the Monterey County Farm Bureau, Salinas Valley Water Coalition, Gonzales Young Farmers, Salinas Elks Lodge #614, and Pacific Valley Bank’s Advisory Board.

He spent his adult life collecting antique farm equipment from auctions and displaying them in his museum-inspired Barn, which is still on the Braga Ranch in Soledad. The Barn is dedicated to the history of the Salinas Valley and features a comprehensive collection of antique to modern tractors and other farm equipment, along with a host of other, Western-themed memorabilia.

The Barn is also used for community fundraisers and special events.