Santa Barbara Maritime Museum

10/17/2026

10/16/2026

Art doesn’t always have to behave.

PLAY: Bronze Sculptures and Other Stuff by Susan Read Cronin brings humor, tenderness, mischief, and imagination to SBMM through bronze sculpture, silhouettes, poetry, and unexpected visual stories.

Look closely, linger a little, and don’t forget to join the museum-wide bronze treasure hunt while you’re here.

On view through November 29 at SBMM.

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!

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/