Maritime Research Center in SF

San Francisco’s Maritime Research Center is the foremost resource center for the archives of the Maritime history of San Francisco and the Pacific Coast. It also is the resource center for the Park’s museum collections. Opened officially in 1939, it has since collected the biggest maritime resource in the West Coast.

Things to see at the Maritime Research Center

The collections are through donations, purchases, as well as partnerships with other organizations. These collections are useful for students, historians, engineers, filmmakers, writers, and generally anyone interested in Maritime history. The museum’s staff are always ready to assist you with your research as well.

Maritime Research Center also has a huge photo gallery of the collections, as well as recordings, crafts, videos, drawings, artifacts, manuscripts and published books over the years.

The museum features the ‘Object Collections’ which shows parts of sailing-vessel artifacts, especially from ruined vessels. It also collects items donated by people who have lived the marine life.

The ‘Maritime Collection’ showcases photographs, films audio recordings and manuscripts. These resources cover the history of trading and business of the Americans via the ocean and coastal areas.

The museum’s library contains materials and manuscripts collected from 1936 to date. And this is why the Maritime Research Center is the largest source of Maritime history in the West Coast.

The ‘Visitors Center’ of the museum exhibits the history of San Francisco Maritime traditions. It also shows a theater where films of historical events are displayed.

The ‘Small Craft Collection’ provides visitors with valuable resources and information on the art of building boats and ships.

The Maritime Research Center exhibits historical vessels such as Eureka, Val Chitha, Alma, and Hercules. Admission to the Maritime Research Center is only $5 and it is open to the public from Monday to Friday from 8 am to 5 pm.

While you’re in the mood for maritime history, take a short 12-minute drive over to see the USS Pampanito. A floating museum that will surely be a memorable experience.