The Swiftest Recovery, Island Fox Chronicles - Photography by Chuck Graham

SBMM is proud to present The Swiftest Recovery, Island Fox Chronicles â Photography by Chuck Graham taking place from May 22, 2025 to August 24, 2025. The island foxâs recovery is the fastest of any terrestrial mammal under the Endangered Species Act, making it a powerf......More

SBMM is proud to present The Swiftest Recovery, Island Fox Chronicles â Photography by Chuck Graham taking place from May 22, 2025 to August 24, 2025. The island foxâs recovery is the fastest of any terrestrial mammal under the Endangered Species Act, making it a powerful symbol of successful conservation efforts. The exhibition will feature captivating images taken by Graham paddling across the Santa Barbara Channel and around the Northern Chain of the Channel Islands National Park. Each photograph offers a glimpse into the resilience and beauty of these unique creatures and the critical role they play in the islandâs ecosystem. âThis collection of photographs is not just about the island foxes itâs about the incredible story of conservation and collaboration that brought these animals back from the brink of extinction,â said SBMM Curator Emily Falke. âVisitors will walk away with a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the island foxes and the importance of protecting our natural world.â Chuck Grahamâs distinctive photographic style combines quiet observation with an immersive presence in nature. Whether shooting from a kayak, hiking through remote terrain, or quietly waiting in the brush, Graham uses natural light, patience, and perspective to capture the intimate, unscripted moments of wildlife in their natural environments. His images are rich with texture, emotion, and a deep reverence for wild places. âI wanted to document not just the island fox, but its environment and the urgency of preserving it,â said Chuck Graham. âThese photos are about presenceâbeing in the foxâs world without disturbing it. The more time I spent with them, the more I realized their story is one of survival, interdependence, and the quiet strength of nature when we step back and let it heal.â Exhibition Details: Title: The Swiftest Recovery: Island Fox ChroniclesPhotographer: Chuck GrahamDates: May 22, 2025 â August 24, 2025Location: Santa Barbara Maritime MuseumExhibition Features: stunning photographs of island foxes captured on Santa Cruz IslandAbout the Photographer: Chuck Graham is a seasoned environmentalist, outdoor guide, and photographer with a deep connection to the natural world. His work has been featured in various national publications and he is known for his ability to capture the spirit of wild places and the creatures that inhabit them. Through his lens, Graham brings the story of the island fox to life, showcasing the significance of preserving such a delicate ecosystem. Conservation Triumph: The exhibition not only celebrates the island fox but also highlights the collaborative efforts between multiple conservation entities that ensured the survival of this species. The restoration of habitat across the Channel Islands National Park, where these foxes reside, represents a monumental achievement in wildlife conservation. It is a story of hope, resilience, and the enduring power of nature when given a chance to heal. The exhibition is generously supported by: Mimi Michaelis, George H. and Olive J. Griffiths Charitable Foundation, June G. Outhwaite Charitable Trust, Wood-Claeyssens Foundation and the American Riviera Bank.

Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, 113 Harbor Way, Santa Barbara, CA, 93109, United States

"Paddling Into a Natural Balance" Chuck Graham Chronicles the Healing of the Channel Islands

As part of its ongoing Maritime Distinguished Speaker Series, SBMM is proud to present Chuck Graham, author, photographer, and longtime Channel Islands National Park guide, for a compelling presentation titled âPaddling Into a Natural Balance.â The talk will take place ......More

As part of its ongoing Maritime Distinguished Speaker Series, SBMM is proud to present Chuck Graham, author, photographer, and longtime Channel Islands National Park guide, for a compelling presentation titled âPaddling Into a Natural Balance.â The talk will take place on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., with a pre-lecture members-only reception from 6:15 to 6:45 p.m. Admission is free for SBMM Navigators Circle members, $10 for other members, and $20 for the general public.  Register Today In this powerful and visually rich presentation, Graham will explore the intricate and inspiring story behind the ecological recovery of the Northern Channel IslandsâAnacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, and San Miguel. With the recovery of the endangered island fox capturing public attention, Graham emphasizes that the success of this story lies in part with the partnerships between the National Park Service, The Nature Conservancy, and the Institute for Wildlife Studies, which worked collaboratively to restore balance across the islandsâ interconnected ecosystems. Tickets may be purchased above or by calling (805) 456-8750.

Museum Closes at 2 p.m.

Early Closure Notice â June 28 The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum will be closing early on June 28 as we prepare for our Yachty by Nature Concert at 6:00 PM inside the museum. Thank you for your understandingâwe hope to see you at this special event!

25th Anniversary Yachty by Nature Concert

SBMM Celebrates 25th Anniversary with Yachty by Nature Concert â June 28, 2025Set Sail for an Evening of Smooth Tunes and Celebration for this Fabulous FundraiserAs part of its 25th anniversary celebration year, SBMM is proud to present a special live concert featuring ......More

SBMM Celebrates 25th Anniversary with Yachty by Nature Concert â June 28, 2025Set Sail for an Evening of Smooth Tunes and Celebration for this Fabulous FundraiserAs part of its 25th anniversary celebration year, SBMM is proud to present a special live concert featuring Yachty by Nature on Saturday, June 28, 2025, from 6:00â9:00 p.m. (Concert begins at 7:00 p.m.) Join us for an evening of smooth sailing, groovy tunes, and coastal celebration as we mark this incredible milestone with our community! Buy Tickets Come in your best Yacht Rock attire!Please note: This event is for guests 21 and over only. Valid ID required at entry. Since 2016, Yachty by Nature has been bringing the very best in LIVE Yacht Rock, delivering feel-good hits from the late â70s and early â80s. This high-energy, 6-piece band plays nostalgic favorites from Michael McDonald, Hall & Oates, Steely Dan, Boz Scaggs, Christopher Cross, Toto, and moreâwith expert musicianship, irresistible rhythm, and nonstop fun. With Scotty McYachty and Julie McCoy on vocals, and the rest of the crewâCaptain Carl, Wes Coast, Big Wave Dave, and Pacific Rimâlocking in that signature yacht groove, itâs a musical voyage you wonât want to miss. âTo celebrate our 25th anniversary, weâre throwing a yacht party to remember,â said SBMM Executive Director Greg Gorga.âThis event celebrates 25 years of SBMM and honors our members, supporters, and the entire Santa Barbara community who have helped shape the museum into what it is today.â Put on your captainâs hat, bring your best dockside style, and come celebrate 25 years of SBMM with live music, food, drinks, and harbor views that canât be beat. Event Details What: Yachty by Nature LIVE â SBMMâs 25th Anniversary ConcertWhen: Saturday, June 28, 2025 | 6PM â 9PM Concert will start at 7PM.Where: Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, 113 Harbor Way, Santa Barbara, CATickets: General Admission tickets are $125 per person and include (1) drink ticket. đ Ages 21+ only. All tickets include a one-month Crew membership valid 6/28â7/31/25 for the ticket purchaser. Come sail away with us and help celebrate a quarter-century of preserving and sharing the maritime history of the Santa Barbara Channel! Buy Tickets Thank you to our Smooth Sailor sponsors: Hutton Parker Foundation, Randy Fox & Terry Bartlett, Kielle Campbell Lindsey, Chuck & Mary Wilson, Arlington Financial Advisors, ExxonMobil Production Company, and Mark Commercial, LLC. Thank you to our in-kind sponsors: Brophy Bros. Santa Barbara and Sol Wave Water

SBMM Monthly Book Club

Join the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum’s Monthly Book Club! Monthly selections are (of course!) related to maritime adventures, history, marine science, ships, and sailing. Members meet the second Thursday of each month in the Harbor Community Room in the museum buildin......More

Join the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum’s Monthly Book Club! Monthly selections are (of course!) related to maritime adventures, history, marine science, ships, and sailing. Members meet the second Thursday of each month in the Harbor Community Room in the museum building. For more information or to find out the current monthly book being read, please contact John Jeffryes at [email protected].

Tunas and Trash: Exploring the Link Between Marine Debris Art and Sustainable Fisheries

SBMM is proud to welcome scientist-turned-artist Ethan Estess for its Maritime Distinguished Speaker Series on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. Estess will present “Tunas and Trash: A Surprising Synergy Between Marine Debris Art and Tuna Research.” The event include......More

SBMM is proud to welcome scientist-turned-artist Ethan Estess for its Maritime Distinguished Speaker Series on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. Estess will present “Tunas and Trash: A Surprising Synergy Between Marine Debris Art and Tuna Research.” The event includes a pre-lecture reception for SBMM members from 6:15 to 6:45 p.m. Tickets are free for Navigators Circle members, $5 for students/educators, $10 for SBMM members, and $20 for the general public. Purchase tickets below or call (805) 456-8750. Register Today Estess will explore the surprising connections between ocean plastic pollution and international tuna fisheries. Drawing on his early research on tunas and sharks with the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Stanford University, he creates large-scale sculptures from plastic marine debris to raise awareness about ocean health. His artwork, seen by millions, has been featured in collaborations with the World Surf League and the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum and are crafted primarily from fishing rope collected off the beach in Hawaii- most of which stems from unregulated high seas tuna fleets. “Art is a powerful way to start conversations about big issues,” said Estess. “I want my work to draw people in visually—and then challenge them to consider the deeper consequences of the choices we make, especially around seafood and ocean stewardship.” Through stories, images, and scientific insight, Estess will illustrate how supporting local, sustainable fisheries can reduce ocean plastic pollution and protect marine ecosystems. His unique combination of marine science and art invites audiences to think critically, and creatively, about our relationship with the ocean.

Trivia night at Night Lizard Brewing Company!

Join the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum for a fun, wildlife-inspired trivia night at Night Lizard Brewing Company! Test your Island Fox knowledge, compete for cool prizes, and deepen your appreciation for wildlife conservation—all in a relaxed, community atmosphere. Enjo......More

Join the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum for a fun, wildlife-inspired trivia night at Night Lizard Brewing Company! Test your Island Fox knowledge, compete for cool prizes, and deepen your appreciation for wildlife conservation—all in a relaxed, community atmosphere. Enjoy craft beers from a family-owned brewery committed to environmental education. Bring your friends, form a team (maximum six players), and engage in a lively evening of trivia, conservation conversation, and local camaraderie. Whether you’re an island fox expert or just curious, this event is perfect for learning more and connecting with like-minded wildlife advocates.