Maritime Distinguished Speaker Series

Presents “The Western Flyer: Steinbeck’s Vessel of Discovery and Resilience” with Dr. Tom Keffer

March 20, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.

In this compelling lecture, Dr. Keffer will delve into the storied past of the Western Flyer, the iconic fishing boat that carried John Steinbeck and Ed Ricketts on their groundbreaking 1940 Gulf of California expedition.

Western Flyer
Guests in attendance and listening to a speaker from the museum's Maritime Distinguished Speaker Series.

Maritime Distinguished Speaker Series

Presents “The Western Flyer: Steinbeck’s Vessel of Discovery and Resilience” with Dr. Tom Keffer

March 20, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.

In this compelling lecture, Dr. Keffer will delve into the storied past of the Western Flyer, the iconic fishing boat that carried John Steinbeck and Ed Ricketts on their groundbreaking 1940 Gulf of California expedition.

Western Flyer

Santa Barbara Maritime Museum ~ Anchored in the Community

Now On View

Kevin Short painting.

Above Your Dreams

February 6, 2025 to May 11, 2025 

An Exhibition of Oil Paintings by Kevin A. Short

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