Conning towers were first found on surface ships starting around the 1850s and became a heavily armored place on deck from which to command the ship’s movements and communications during battle. The conning tower of a submarine was a small watertight compartment within the sail of the submarine. Inside it was a cramped space, with as many communication and navigation controls as possible, to allow for the quickest responses during battle. The conning tower was often its own pressure hull, connected to the control room separate from the main pressure hull.
SBMM has a periscope that extends through the Museum roof and provides a 360-degree outside view. You can see boats coming and going from the harbor, the happenings on Stearns Wharf as well as sailboats and kitesurfers off Leadbetter Beach. A gift from the U.S. Navy, the periscope is from the 1970s and has never been used on an actual submarine. Instruments typically seen in a conning tower, sponsored by the Santa Barbara Navy League, are exhibited. The number on our conning tower—781—honors the submarine California.
Learn About Our Other Museum Exhibits
Santa Barbara Maritime Museum has several other fascinating exhibits, and there's something fun for everyone in the family. Come learn about 13,000 years of human history in the Santa Barbara Channel, including the Chumash Indians, deep sea divers, shipwrecks, commercial fishing, and so much more. We also have several contemporary exhibits about the evolution of surfing, oil spills, whales, and marine life. There are several fun and interactive exhibits and activities for kids too.