Santa Barbara Maritime Museum

10/08/2026

Today is DAF Day! 💙

If you have a donor-advised fund, today is a great opportunity to put your charitable dollars to work for the causes you care about.

A gift from your DAF to the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum helps support education, exhibitions, collections, and programs that connect our community with the history, culture, science, and environment of the Santa Barbara Channel.

Ready to make an impact? Visit sbmm.org to recommend a grant from your DAF.

Thank you for supporting SBMM and helping inspire the next generation of ocean stewards. ⚓️🌊

10/08/2026

“Go Ask the Chief.”
Those words have echoed throughout the U.S. Coast Guard since the rank of Chief Petty Officer was formally established in 1920.
Congratulations to Patrick Allensworth, San Marcos High School Class of 2008, on his promotion to Chief Petty Officer. SBMM was proud to host the ceremony, with our historic Point Conception First Order Fresnel Lens serving as a powerful backdrop for this special milestone.
Congratulations, Chief Allensworth!

10/08/2026

09/24/2026

🌊 Today is World Maritime Day.

This year’s theme, “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence,” highlights the importance of turning global maritime standards into meaningful action—from safer shipping and stronger environmental protections to a more resilient maritime future.

At the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, we’re proud to celebrate the people, history, science, and traditions that connect our community to the sea—and to inspire greater understanding and stewardship of the Santa Barbara Channel.

Today, we recognize the seafarers, maritime professionals, scientists, educators, conservationists, and communities whose work helps keep our oceans and waterways safe, sustainable, and thriving.

Happy World Maritime Day from SBMM!

09/24/2026

Your MemberSHIP. Your Museum. 🌊

There’s still time to join—or renew—during SBMM’s September Membership Drive!

Membership connects you more deeply to the museum with special events, exclusive receptions, discounted admission to the Maritime Distinguished Speaker Series, and more opportunities to experience the stories, people, and places of the Santa Barbara Channel.

Even better: join or renew by September 30 and receive a special SBMM gift based on your membership level.

Your MemberSHIP also makes an impact. Member support helps sustain our exhibitions, community programs, and 14 interactive education programs reaching more than 5,600 students each year.

Support. Explore. Belong. Experience more.

Join or renew today at sbmm.org/membership/

09/17/2026

Tonight at SBMM: Meet Chris Ragland

Before tonight’s Maritime Distinguished Speaker Series, get to know Chris Ragland, founder and executive director of Sea League, and hear a little about the experiences that shaped his connection to the ocean and the work he’s doing to help more young people build that same relationship with the sea.

Then join us tonight for The Blue Blind Spot, a thought-provoking conversation about ocean access, stewardship, and what becomes possible when more people have the opportunity to truly experience the marine environment around them.

📅 Tonight — Thursday, September 17
🕖 7:00 p.m.
📍 Santa Barbara Maritime Museum

Watch the video, meet Chris, and then come hear the full story tonight at SBMM.

Reserve your seat at sbmm.org.

09/16/2026

So happy for this partnership. Thank you to Jennifer Sachs for her inspiring talk.

09/11/2026

Your MemberSHIP. Your Museum.

There’s never been a better time to join—or renew—your membership at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum.

SBMM members enjoy exclusive receptions and special events, discounted admission to the Maritime Distinguished Speaker Series, and opportunities to connect with authors, photographers, conservation leaders, and more.

And during September, join or renew and receive a special SBMM gift based on your membership level.

Your membership also helps support exhibitions, education programs, and experiences that bring more than 13,000 years of regional maritime history to life.

Support. Explore. Belong.
Become a MemberSHIP holder today at sbmm.org.