Bridging Worlds Through Maritime Education
Melissa M. Moore has long cherished the coastal beauty and maritime culture of Santa Barbara, where she grew up. Today, as a dedicated marine science teacher at Lompoc High School, she’s not just teaching; she’s igniting curiosity in her students while fostering deep connections to the ocean.Each year, she brings groups of students from Lompoc on field trips to the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, as many have never had the chance to explore Santa Barbara Harbor or set foot in a museum. For these students, stepping into the museum or experiencing the ocean aboard a boat opens the door to new passions and career paths they may never have considered.
SBMM’s education programs, like Maritime on the Move, offer Melissa’s students unique opportunities to engage with the history, science, and maritime culture of the Santa Barbara Channel in a hands-on way. Instead of learning from a textbook, they encounter the museum’s impressive collection up close, including artifacts such as the Point Conception lighthouse lens. Throughout the field trips, wide-eyed students listen to docents share captivating stories of shipwrecks, rescues, and local heroes. Melissa has seen her students’ curiosity ignite as they explore the exhibits, capturing photos of intricate boat models, marveling at the iconic deep-sea diver suit, and even tying traditional sailor knots. Experiences like hearing personal accounts from local diving legends create lasting memories that spark interest in marine sciences and a deeper connection to their coastal heritage.
“Growing up in Santa Barbara, I’ve always cherished the coastal beauty and vibrant maritime culture that defines this special place. Now, as a marine science teacher, I get to see that same wonder in my students’ eyes when they visit the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum for the first time,” said Melissa. “Many of them, despite living nearby, have never had the chance to explore our harbor or set foot in a museum. When they see the Point Conception lighthouse lens or step aboard a boat, it’s like watching a whole new world open up for them. These experiences ignite curiosity and offer them a glimpse into career paths they may never have considered before. Supporting the museum is about more than preserving history; it’s about making sure every child has a chance to discover the ocean’s magic and find inspiration along Santa Barbara’s shores.”
Reflecting on the museum’s role in her life and her students’ lives, Melissa acknowledges the museum’s unique ability to bridge communities across Santa Barbara County. “North County is part of our maritime culture, too,” she says. Her own connection to Santa Barbara’s history is deeply personal; her father worked for the Santa Barbara newspaper as a photographer, and her family’s roots in the area have influenced her dedication to her community. Although her career may one day lead her to new adventures, she finds purpose and fulfillment in shaping her students’ lives today. Through her involvement with the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, Melissa’s legacy is already unfolding—one student, one field trip, and one newfound curiosity at a time.
“I invite everyone to help preserve and expand this incredible legacy by supporting cultural institutions like the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum,” said Melissa. “Together, we can ensure that future generations have the opportunity to explore, discover, and be inspired by the beauty and history along Santa Barbara’s shores.”
When you make a bequest or other planned gift, your support allows the museum to inspire creativity through engaging exhibitions; build community through gatherings and events; and provide outstanding educational programs – all while highlighting 13,000 years of maritime history – from Chumash culture to today’s surfing and environmental movements. Your planned gift assists the museum in its ability to fulfill its mission and vision for generations to come. Create a promising future with lasting impact. Learn more about leaving a legacy.