Santa Barbara Maritime Museum | Santa Barbara

The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (SBMM), located in the heart of Santa Barbara's harbor, is a cultural gem that offers an immersive experience into the rich maritime history of the region. Established in 2000, this museum provides a fascinating journey through more than 13,000 years of history, including the Chumash people's deep connection with the ocean, early European exploration, maritime commerce, and modern-day marine technology. Here’s a detailed overview of the museum:

1. Location and Facility

Address: 113 Harbor Way, Suite 190, Santa Barbara, CA 93109.

The museum occupies nearly 8,000 square feet of exhibit space within the Waterfront Center. Its location by the water, close to the Santa Barbara harbor, enhances the experience, offering views of the coastline and direct access to the region’s maritime culture.

Parking: There is free 90-minute parking in public lots near the harbor. If you’re staying longer, paid parking is available in the main harbor parking lot, with a cost of $3.50 per hour or a maximum of $20 per day for vehicles under 22 feet.

Hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except Wednesdays and on certain holidays like New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and the first Friday in August for the Fiesta.

2. Exhibits

The museum features a wide variety of exhibits, which cover both the natural environment of the Santa Barbara Channel and the region’s maritime history. Highlights include:

Chumash Exhibit: This exhibit explores the seafaring traditions of the indigenous Chumash people, focusing on their use of the ocean for transportation, trade, and sustenance. Artifacts like tools, navigational devices, and replica boats highlight the Chumash’s expertise as ocean navigators.

The Honda Disaster: A somber exhibit detailing the tragic collision in 1968 between the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Honda and the fishing vessel Santa Cruz off the coast of Santa Barbara, leading to the loss of lives and a deeper understanding of maritime safety.

First-Order Fresnel Lens: A significant and rare artifact, this lens from the Point Conception Lighthouse represents cutting-edge 19th-century lighthouse technology that helped guide ships safely along the treacherous coastline.

Surfing Legends: Santa Barbara is renowned for its surf culture, and this exhibit celebrates the local surfing community, showcasing memorabilia and stories of famous surfers who helped shape the history of the sport.

Deep-Water Commercial Diving: Focuses on the history of commercial diving in the Santa Barbara Channel, including the technology used for underwater exploration and construction, particularly in the oil industry.

History of Oil in the Channel: This exhibit sheds light on the role of the oil industry in the region, specifically the offshore oil rigs and their impact on the local economy and environment.

Whales Are Superheroes!: An educational exhibit designed to highlight the importance of whales in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems. It’s designed to engage young audiences with hands-on learning experiences.

Lure of Lighthouses & Dancing Waves: This exhibit focuses on the allure of the region's iconic lighthouses and the dynamic, ever-changing nature of ocean waves.

3. Interactive Experiences

One of the standout features of the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum is its interactive exhibits, which allow visitors to engage with the history and technology of the maritime world.

Working Periscope: A functional U.S. Navy submarine periscope lets visitors look out over the harbor and see a 360-degree panoramic view, offering a unique perspective on the area’s maritime activities.

Interactive Fishing Game: This feature blends gaming with reality, allowing visitors to use a physical fishing pole to "catch" virtual fish, making it a fun and educational experience for children and families.

Kids’ Maritime Adventure Camps: The museum offers hands-on camps for children, which teach sailing, kayaking, marine biology, and other water-based activities. These camps aim to spark curiosity and appreciation for the sea in the younger generation.

Sailing and Harbor Tours: The museum also offers guided sailing tours that take visitors through the harbor, providing a more direct connection to the maritime heritage and history of Santa Barbara.

4. Munger Theater

The museum houses an 88-seat theater, the Munger Theater, which hosts daily film screenings, lectures, and panel discussions. These events often feature topics related to the museum’s exhibits, such as maritime history, oceanography, environmental conservation, and the impact of the ocean on local culture.

5. Admission and Membership

The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum is open to the public, with varying admission rates:

Adults (18–64): $10

Seniors (65+): $8

Students (with ID): $5

Youth (6–17): $5

Children under 6: Free

Active Military & SBMM Members: Free

Group discounts are available for parties of 10 or more with a prior reservation.

6. Educational Programs

The museum is dedicated to providing educational opportunities to people of all ages. Besides its interactive exhibits, it offers programs for local schools and community groups. These programs often feature in-depth lessons on marine science, environmental conservation, and maritime history.

7. Events and Special Programs

Throughout the year, the museum hosts special events like maritime festivals, guest lectures, and special exhibitions. These events are designed to highlight different aspects of maritime culture and often include visits from guest speakers, industry professionals, and local experts.

8. The Museum's Mission

The mission of the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum is to inspire a passion for the sea and maritime culture, foster a sense of stewardship for the marine environment, and educate the public about the history and future of Santa Barbara’s maritime heritage.

Conclusion:

The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum is not just a museum; it’s a portal into the rich, multifaceted maritime history of the region. Whether you’re a history buff, a lover of the ocean, or simply curious about Santa Barbara’s cultural roots, this museum provides an educational and engaging experience for visitors of all ages. It’s a perfect destination for families, school groups, and anyone interested in learning about the vital role the ocean has played in shaping this beautiful coastal community.