Weaving San Diego Maritime History Into The Modern World — Dr. Ray Ashley, Maritime Museum San Diego

The Finest City

This week focuses on San Diego’s maritime heritage with Dr. Ray Ashley from the Maritime Museum of San Diego. As President and CEO, Dr. Ashley leads one of the most prominent institutions on San Diego Bay, recognized as one of the top three maritime museums globally. It includes one of the finest collections of historic vessels, including the oldest active ship, Star of India. In his talk with Jen, Dr. Ashley explains how the museum integrates San Diego’s maritime past into the present day, highlighting both the economic and cultural contributions of the local maritime industry and the important role the museum plays in educating the public.

Timestamps:

[1:50] Maritime Museum’s role in educating people about San Diego’s history and connection to the Bay.

[2:58] The Museum’s role in educating residents and visitors about the history of San Diego.

[4:09] How the museum uses storytelling to inform and shape the future.

[6:35] Cultural and economic significance of San Diego Bay.

[9:13] Integrating human and environmental histories into exhibits to address problems.

[11:30] More about the Rising Tides and Fragile Waters exhibits.

[13:56] Providing access to the bay through historic sailing tours and sailing experiences.

[15:32] The economic impact the Maritime Museum has had on the San Diego region.

[20:40] Exciting plans for The Maritime Museum, including a new waterfront structure.

[23:02] How can people get more involved?

About C-3

Even before the California Coastal Commission or Environmental Protection Agency existed, Citizens Coordinate for Century 3 (C-3) was the environmental conscience of San Diego. Since that time, in part due to C-3’s leadership in education, advocacy, and empowerment, a plethora of organizations have developed throughout San Diego County. These organizations specifically focus on promoting progressive values in architecture, urban design, land-use governance, natural resource management, sustainable economic development, climate change resilience, and social justice. As the field of allies has grown, C-3’s role has evolved to provide a platform that promotes creating civic community.

Opportunities for Advocacy and Engagement:

C3sandiego.org

Maritime Museum of San Diego

Quotes:

• “San Diego is what it is because of the Bay, and because of the maritime connections.” — Ray [3:17]

• “The sea is a resource that we use for recreation, fishing, trade, and defense, and we like to take care of it as best we can.” — Ray [3:52]

• “Ultimately, we do become the stories we tell.” — Ray [4:48]

• “Maritime Museum provides a simple organizing function for that information about how this giant cluster maritime enterprise came to be in the first place, and how it continues to function.” — Ray [18:00]

• "If there's a secret sauce that I think we share with other kinds of organizations like ours, our particular secret is the ships. And by connecting your life and their lives, you do move towards becoming the better version of yourself.” — Ray [22:17]