Exhibits
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Munger Theater

This state-of-the-art audio-visual facility in the shape of ship's hull is used to show films, and hold lectures, meetings, and special events. Intimate environment with a capacity of 100, the theater is equipped to show all formats of film and visual media. Exciting and informative films are shown throughout the day. For a list of films currently being shown, click here.

 

Marilyn S. Tennity Surfing Exhibit

Get ready to catch a wave! Come experience the thrill of surfing at the Marilyn S. Tennity Surfing Exhibit!

Visitors can walk under a 12-foot long, 9-foot high breaking wave as they enter the exhibit and can watch "inside the wave" footage filmed by George Greenough. The exhibit also includes the camera and kneeboard George Greenough used to film "The Innermost Limits of Pure Fun" and contest-winning surfboards used by local surfing legends. You can see how surfboards are made, what a wetsuit feels like, and learn the surfing lingo that over the years has become part of the English language.

The exhibit features footage of local surfers riding amazing waves and the stories of many of Santa Barbara’s surf legends. Visitors are able to choose which of the oral histories they want to view through an interactive touch-screen presentation. This series of oral histories features interviews with local surfing legends Tom Curren and Kim Mearig, and master surfboard craftsmen Renny Yater and Al Merrick. Other segments highlight the career of filmmaker and surf innovator George Greenough and surfing pioneer Gates Foss, the first person to surf Rincon. There is also a segment on rising-star Bobby Martinez and interviews and footage of local Groms (young surfers).

Visitors can climb up on a Dave Johnson custom designed surfboard, and take a picture of themselves "hanging ten" in front of a beautiful barrel wave photograph shot by David Pu'u, winner of the 2003 Canon Image of the Year Award. Surfers can also leave their thoughts on what surfing means to them, while reading the words of some surfing legends.

You will want to visit again to see what's new with the changing exhibit panels. Surfs Up! Santa Barbara.

Barry and Jean Schuyler Environmental Exhibit

A vital examination of environmental issues related to the sea, and how they are being addressed. This flexible exhibit allows us highlight issues of contemporary significance, as research and environmental issues evolve over time. Through the use of photographs, graphics, and text, an interactive display touches upon major environmental concerns including recreation, resource extraction, shipping and urbanization. 
 

Edward and Helen Wilson Military Exhibit

An operating periscope is at the heart of this exhibit chronicling military, maritime-related maritime events, such as the 1908 visit of the Great White Fleet to Santa Barbara, 1923 wreck of several naval destroyers at Point Honda, 1933 visit of the U.S.S. Constitution, shelling of Ellwood Beach by a Japanese submarine in WWII, wartime Navy activities in the Naval Reserve Building (now the museum's home), and more. Exhibit to be displayed as a recreation of a submarine conning tower.

Mario M. Castagnola Commercial Fishing Exhibit

Santa Barbara's five major historic fishing industries are displayed from harpoon fishing to modern fisheries management. Fishing industry-related artifacts, local seaffod products and historic photographs are displayed. A memorial to local fishermen lost at sea will be added to the exhibit, along with 'A Day in the Life of a Commercial Fisherman' video and videotaped oral history interviews.

Surfing Exhibit

'Surf's Up' in this engaging exhibit honoring the men and women from the Central Coast who contributed to the development and notoriety of the sport. Future plans include video clips of famous local surfers and surfboard shapers, as well as displays of vintage surfboards and other memorabilia in asetting that allows the visitor to get a taste of what surfing is really like.

Tamra DiCaprio Loughead F-1 Flying Boat Exhibit

This precision-built 1/12-scale model can actually fly! Brothers Malcolm and Allan Loughead built the F-1 amphibious seaplane in Santa Barbara for the U.S. Navy in World War I. Planned: A _ scale working model will be added - sporting an 18-foot wingspan. A kiosk will display artifacts, photos, information, and a video presentation.


Microsoft Navigation & Piloting Exhibit

A working radar display shows real-time image of the Santa Barbara Channel, depicting a 26-mile range out to the Channel Islands. Both modern and old-fashioned gadgetry for navigation and piloting will be used by visitors to practice nautical charting and other techniques - and to physically experience different navigational instrumentation and understand the improvements to piloting and navigation practices. A recreation of a modern pilothouse is planned, with all the current navigational technology that might be found on a vessel today.


Survival at Sea Exhibit

From historic lighthouses to state-of-the-art rescue and emergency equipment, learn about the brave professionals involved with boating safety, search and rescue, and aids to navigation, including the U.S. Coast Guard, Santa Barbara Harbor Patrol, Power Squadron, and more. The exhibit currently displays emergency safety equipment used at sea and will include photographs, maps, artifacts, charts, video, and more. Coming soon are interactive displays about safety practices, boating safety organizations, and the importance of accident prevention.

Elnora Danley Weather Kiosk

This interactive internet-based weather kiosk gives real-time information on current weather conditions in the Santa Barbara Channel, utilizing the internet, radio and live date feed.
   


UPSTAIRS 
Munger Theater

NOAA Shipwrecks Exhibit Microsoft Navigation & Piloting Exhibit
Barry and Jean Schuyler Environmental Exhibit Sailing & Yachting Exhibit Safety at Sea Exhibit
Compaq/Microsoft Sport Fishing Exhibit Signal Flags Exhibit Elnora Danley Weather Kiosk
Edward and Helen Wilson Military Exhibit Surfing Exhibit  
Mario M. Castagnola Commercial Fishing Exhibit Tamra DiCaprio Loughead F-1 Flying Boat Exhibit