Volunteer at the Museum

Volunteers at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum are key to making connections between the Museum and the many visitors from around the world. Volunteers help maintain displays, share maritime activities with guests of all ages, and educate generations with artifacts and stories of our nautical past. SBMM values its volunteers and they are critical to the Museum’s success.

Lens small
scafandr

Museum Volunteer Opportunities

  • Crew on SBMM’s flagship vessel Ranger, Santa Barbara’s oldest boat.
  • Greet visitors from around the world at the Outdoors Santa Barbara Visitor Center (on our 4th floor)!
  • Assist with special events, including exhibit openings, art receptions & community festivals.
  • Become a docent and share information about our local maritime heritage with tours and outreach.

Volunteers enjoy the social environment of the Museum and gain a feeling of fulfillment knowing that they are an important part of a valued organization that educates the public about Santa Barbara’s rich maritime history and tradition.

Docent Program

Docents are key at the Maritime Museum! They help with school field trips, guide adult tours, and interpret exhibits. Training, support, and flexible hours allow docents to gain needed skills and knowledge while having fun.

Docent classes are held once a year, usually beginning in January.

SBMM needs outgoing and enthusiastic individuals who:

  • Wish to learn about Santa Barbara’s connection to the ocean
  • Enjoy sharing their experiences with child and adult visitors
  • Aspire to learn naval history and language
  • Want to seek new friends
  • Want to become docents at SBMM.

To learn more about Docent Training classes or for more information about how to volunteer, contact Jesse Baker-Lorelli, Guest Services Manager, at jbaker@sbmm.org or 805 456-8748.

The following documents are password-protected

docent-led tour

SUPPORT US

Support the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum

Santa Barbara Maritime Museum depends on memberships, donations, and volunteers to maintain the museum and to provide educational programs, lectures, and events to our community and the schools along Santa Barbara's Central Coast. Consider supporting us today.