The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (SBMM) celebrated its 25th anniversary in July with the release of a new short film highlighting the museum’s legacy, impact and future.

The 3.5-minute video captures the spirit and story of SBMM’s journey, from its grassroots beginnings to becoming one of the nation’s top maritime museums, the museum said.

In the mid-1990s, a passionate group of local fishermen, divers and sailors came together with a shared vision: to create a museum dedicated to the maritime history of the Santa Barbara Channel.

After six years of negotiations, collaboration and perseverance, SBMM officially opened its doors in July 2000 in the historic Waterfront Center Building, formerly the Naval Reserve Center.

Today, SBMM continues to serve as cultural hub along Santa Barbara’s waterfront. Museum visitors embark on a journey of discovery, exploring hands-on exhibits that highlight 13,000 years of coastal heritage.

SBMM’s exhibits include the Point Conception Lighthouse First Order Fresnel Lens, Dwight Brooks’ intricate ship models, Whales Are Superheroes!, deep-sea commercial diving history, the Santa Barbara Channel Islands, and Daughters and Wives: Keepers of the Light.

“These exhibits reflect SBMM’s mission to create excellent exhibits and educational experiences that celebrate the channel and illuminate our connection with the sea,” the museum said.

“Our 25th anniversary is not just a time to look back, it’s also a moment to share our vision for the future,” said Greg Gorga, SBMM executive director. “This video is a beautiful way to showcase the museum’s evolution and the meaningful role it plays in our community.”

The film, available at sbmm.org/anchored-in-the-community, highlights the museum’s interactive exhibits, coastal stories, and award-winning educational programs.
Among its contributions, SBMM’s education programs bring the ocean to life through hands-on exploration, real-world science, and maritime storytelling.

From the early days of the Jason Project to today’s Marine Science programs, Tall Ship expeditions, and the Girls in Ocean Science Conference, SBMM’s outreach has grown, now serving nearly 5,000 students across 14 cities annually.

“These programs foster ocean stewardship, empower young minds, and strengthen community connections to our coastal heritage,” SBMM said.