Santa Barbara Maritime Museum Logbook

The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum is pleased to present the June offering of its Maritime Distinguished Speaker Series, “The History of the Goleta Slough” featuring Tom Modugno, local Goleta historian and creator of GoletaHistory.com. The event will take place on Thursday, June 20, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. Using a collection of captivating photographs, Modugno will guide attendee’s through the slough’s rich history—from Chumash origins to its current state as Santa Barbara’s municipal airport. The cost is free for SBMM Navigators Circle members; $10 for all other members; and $20 for the general public. SBMM members will enjoy a pre-lecture reception from 6:15-6:45 p.m.

In his presentation, Modugno will highlight the slough’s transformation over the last 500 years, utilizing photographs to showcase the area’s evolution. “Many are unaware of the slough’s rich history as well as its enduring significance as a natural habitat for wildlife,” said Modugno. 

Despite various incarnations and development proposals over the years, the Goleta Slough has maintained its status as a unique and invaluable natural environment. In 1987, 440 acres of Goleta slough became the Goleta Slough Ecological Reserve, which today is managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. This large swath of land is home to a variety of habitats and species such as: ducks, shorebirds, herons and mice among its rivers, wetlands, estuaries. 

With his Goleta History website, Modugno has created a time capsule that presents Goleta’s rich history in a way that is accessible to all. Allowing for Goleta and Santa Barbara residents alike to have a hub for local history.“Tom Modugno’s website is a veritable goldmine of historical facts and photographs, an invaluable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the Goleta’s past.” said SBMM’s collections manager Lydia Rao. “Tom’s in-depth posts shed light on remarkable events that would otherwise be forgotten, such as the shelling of the Ellwood Oil Field by a Japanese submarine in World War II.”

“Modugno’s enlightening presentation promises to provide attendees with a newfound appreciation for the Goleta Slough’s storied past and its vital role in the region’s history and ecosystem.” said Santa Barbara Maritime Museum Executive Director Greg Gorga. 

The Maritime Distinguished Speaker Series is sponsored by Marie L Morrisroe.