Left to right. State Historic Parks Preservation Officer Julianne Polanco, Dr. Raymond Ashley, Ph.D., K.C.I., President/CEO of the Maritime Museum of San Diego, and California State Parks Director Lisa Mangat (Photo: California Office of Historic Preservation)

MARITIME MUSEUM OF SAN DIEGO RECEIVES A 2017 GOVERNOR’S HISTORIC PRESERVATION AWARD FOR SAN SALVADOR PROJECT

San Diego, CA (November 14, 2017) — Maritime Museum of San Diego, with an international reputation for excellence in restoring, maintaining, and operating historic vessels, is a recipient of a 2017 Governor’s Historic Preservation Award. This honor is bestowed upon projects and individuals whose contributions demonstrate significant achievements in preserving the heritage of California. As one of only eight award recipients, the award acknowledges the Museum’s excellence in preserving treasured resources, traditions, and histories.

Dr. Raymond Ashley, Ph.D., K.C.I., President/CEO of the Maritime Museum of San Diego accepted the award at a presentation that took place Thursday, November 2, 2017 in Sacramento, California. “We’re honored by the office of the Governor, State Parks of California and especially given the other individuals and organizations through the years recognized by this award” stated Dr. Ashley. “What is of equal importance is that the Governor recognizes The Galleon: San Salvador: Creating a Seaworthy Replica of California’s Ship of Origin story project is of vital importance to the state.”

Maritime Museum of San Diego Build Crew, Volunteers, Staff & Supporters, San Salvador Build Site, San Diego, CA (Photo: Jerry Soto)

The Governor’s Historic Preservation Awards program, according to State Historic Preservation Officer Julianne Polanco, “recognizes California efforts that reflect the spirit and promise of preservation embodied in the [National Historic Preservation] Act, sustain communities, and help set California on a good path for the next fifty years.”

Today visitors to Maritime Museum of San Diego can explore San Salvador dockside, step aboard for a 4-hour day sail experience and reserve an adventure at sea during the multi-year Pacific Heritage Tour which began in fall of 2016. In the last two years of the tour Museum staff, volunteers and crew have sailed San Salvador and displayed the visiting vessel and exhibit at California Coastal destinations including Channel Islands Maritime Museum in Oxnard, Monterey State Historic CA Parks at Fisherman’s Wharf, Morro Bay Maritime Museum (formerly Central Coast Maritime Museum Association), Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, and in San Pedro at Los Angeles Maritime Museum.

Pacific Heritage Tour Adventure Sailing at Sea passengers also have opportunities to spend several days and nights aboard San Salvador departing from collaborating destinations to the Channel Islands and returning to San Diego.

Maritime Museum of San Diego Galleon Replica San Salvador Sets Sail for Adventures at Sea and Visitor Day Sails during Pacific Heritage Tour (Photo: Chris Swezdo)

Maritime Museum of San Diego Vice President Susan Sirota added, “It’s such a compliment to be recognized for a project that so many people contributed to. When you bring together volunteers, staff, the community, donors, and passionate skilled professionals, just look what you can create.”

The Governor’s Historic Preservation Awards Program was established in 1986 by Governor George Deukmejian and is distinguished from other preservation awards in two important respects: It emphasizes involvement by community groups, and it recognizes a broad array of preservation activities.

Award recipients are selected by an independent jury of distinguished professionals representing a cross-section of disciplines in the field of historic preservation.

About the Maritime Museum of San Diego
The Maritime Museum of San Diego experience includes admission to a world-class collection of historic sailing ships, steam-powered boats, and submarines, each offering entertaining and educational exhibits. The 501c3 non-profit Museum enjoys an international reputation for excellence in restoring, maintaining, and operating historic vessels including the world’s oldest active sailing ship, Star of India. Maritime Museum of San Diego is ranked as one of the nation’s top attractions offering self-guided tours, docent guided-group tours, tall ship charters, year round public events, educational programs, and a distinctive venue for corporate/private events. The Museum is open daily along Star of India Wharf at 1492 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101-3309.