The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (SBMM) presents “When Science and Art Met in the Coast Survey of the Santa Barbara Channel: 1849-1860,” a lecture given by Professor Rick Kennedy of Point Loma Nazarene University. on Thursday, June 15, 2023, at 7:00 p.m.
Kennedy’s presentation will tell the story of two U.S. Coast Survey teams and their long-term influence on safe coastal navigation of the Southern California coast and islands. According to Kennedy, thousands of young men arrived in California during the Gold Rush. While most were not interested in the betterment of their new community, there were a few who were inspired by the adventure of public service. The U.S. Coast Survey put together two highly disciplined teams of mathematically and artistically-minded men with the goal of promoting safe coastal navigation. Kennedy’s lecture will tell the inspiring story of how the work of these two teams affected the Southern California coast and surrounding islands.
Cost is free for SBMM’s Navigator Circle Members, $10 for all other members, and $20 for the general public. A pre-lecture members-only reception will commence at 6:15 p.m. 
About the Speaker: Professor Rick Kennedy
Born in Salinas, Kennedy later moved to Santa Barbara, meeting his wife, and completing his undergraduate and graduate work at the University of California at Santa Barbara, ultimately receiving his Ph.D. As a professor of history and environmental studies at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, Kennedy teaches California history, is the co-editor of Charting Our Destiny: The U.S. Coast Survey in the Pacific 1807-2007 and the author of Winds of Santa Ana: Pilgrim Stories of the California Bight.
Between 2003 and 2017, Kennedy taught a summer school sailing course in California history. Students would read Two Years Before the Mast while sailing with Kennedy up the coast and through the islands. Every summer, he also led walking tours of Santa Barbara, leaving the docks early in the morning and returning late in the afternoon. The author of books and articles about both California and New England, Kennedy also published “Richard Henry Dana, Jr., Evangelical Consciousness, and the Colony of Hawaiians in San Diego,” in California Dreaming: Society and Culture in the Golden State (2017).
This event is generously sponsored by Marie L. Morrisroe.
About the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum
The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (SBMM), which is located in the Waterfront Center Building (formerly the Naval Reserve Building), opened its doors to the public in July 2000, with the unique mission to interpret the rich and diverse maritime history of the Santa Barbara Channel. SBMM is an interactive museum – a place where the public can experience maritime culture without leaving the harbor.
Founded by a group of fishermen, divers, and sailors, SBMM provides hands-on learning opportunities for all ages, delving into Santa Barbara’s robust maritime history while highlighting the important role the Santa Barbara Channel plays in our culture and community. From these engaging exhibitions, visitors leave with a love for and better understanding of the Santa Barbara Channel – its abundant marine life, the multiple recreational activities it provides, and the people making a living on its waters. SBMM is located in the historic Santa Barbara Harbor at 113 Harbor Way, Suite 190, Santa Barbara, CA 93109. Visit sbmm.org or call (805) 962-8404 for details.