Current Exhibits

Goleta’s Cannons

Goleta’s Cannons features two of the historic cannons found on the Goleta coast on January 23, 1981. The exhibit highlights clues to the cannon’s past, how the community restored these artifacts, and step-by-step instructions for how cannons of that era were fired, including audio of an actual cannon firing. The cannons are on loan from the Goleta Valley Historical Society.

Loughead Seaplane

Originally built by brothers Malcolm and Allan Loughead, the F-1 seaplane was constructed in Santa Barbara for the U.S. Navy in World War I. After the war, the brothers used the seaplane for sightseeing trips and aerial filming for Flying A Studios films. Suspended from the museum’s ceiling is a 1/4 scale flying model of the F-1 built by the Santa Barbara Radio Control Modelers Club. Malcolm and Allan’s Company eventually became Lockheed Martin.

Boat Model Gallery

Located throughout the museum, boat models from the museum’s collection provide insight into various ship designs as well as the artistry of model making. The museum also houses the complete collection of intricate radio-controlled models made by Dwight Brooks.

Marilyn S. Tennity Surfing Exhibit

Discover the rich surf history of the Central Coast through this interactive exhibit, which features one-of-a-kind artifacts, oral histories with surfing greats and a surf board you can stand on.

Barry & Jean Schuyler Environmental Exhibit

Explore environmental issues related to the sea, and how they are being addressed. This exhibit highlights issues of contemporary significance, as research and environmental issues evolve over time. The interactive display delves into major environmental concerns including recreation, resource extraction, shipping and urbanization.

Survival at Sea

From historic lighthouses to state-of-the-art rescue and emergency equipment, learn about aids to navigation, boating safety, and the professional organizations that keep the seas safe. The exhibit also includes an interactive Pilot House and video footage of vessels in storm conditions.

Commercial Fishing & Diving Technology

From harpoon fishing to modern fisheries management, the Mario M. Castagnola Commercial Fishing exhibit uses artifacts and images to tell the story of Santa Barbara’s historic fishing industries. Hardhat diving has been part of local history since the late 1800s when abalone became a sought-after delicacy and continues today with urchin fishery and oil extraction. The Fred Kavli Diving Technology exhibit features historic diving helmets, suits and compressors. In October 2009, the Maritime Museum became the West Coast home to the Historical Diving Society.

Robert Kieding Charting Exhibit

This display of nautical charts captures the progression of understanding of the Santa Barbara Channel over time. Featured charts include California as an island and a rare chart of Anacapa by artist James McNeill Whistler.

Channel Islands Ranching

Through the display of historic artifacts and images, the story of ranching on Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa and San Miguel Islands comes to life. Learn about the personalities, products and environment that made island ranching possible.

Shipwrecks of the Channel

Discover the stories behind the Santa Barbara Channel shipwrecks. Displays on the Cuba, Winfield Scott and Honda Disasterprovide access to historic artifacts, images and insight into the underwater archaeology used to locate, research and preserve these underwater cultural resources. Exhibits on the Cuba and Winfield Scott were made possible through funding from NOAA.

Gail Berkus Children’s Gallery

Young explorers learn about the sea in fun and creative ways. To train “green-hand” sailors, we have a knot tying station, pirate vocabulary and signal flags for maritime messages! The whole family can take part in puppet shows, sea stories, crafts and more. Kids are encouraged to create ocean-inspired art for Gallery display. Check our events calendar for educator-run programming such as storytelling and sing-a-longs. Plus our “treasure map” activity encourages children to explore the entire museum.

Historic Path

Discover the rich maritime history of California’s Central Coast, dating back over 10,000 years to the region’s earliest seafarers, the Chumash. The Historic Path features a Chumash tomol, an interactive explorer map, and artifacts that bring the area’s long maritime history to life.

EXHIBITS INCLUDE: Chumash Exhibit, Santa Barbara Bank and Trust Explorers Exhibit, Otter and Seal Hunting Exhibit, Hide and Tallow Trade Exhibit, Supply Ships Exhibit, Shore Whaling Exhibit, and George Castagnola Family Santa Barbara Waterfront Exhibit