Maritime Research Center

 

A Treasure Trove of Nautical Knowledge

The Maritime Research Center of San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park is the premier resource for San Francisco and Pacific Coast maritime history and the portal into the Park's collections. Originating in 1939, the collections have become the largest maritime collection on the West Coast and the largest museum and research collection in the National Park Service. Our unique resources serve and inform historians, genealogists, artists, authors, students, filmmakers, sailors, boat and model builders, and performers from all over the world, as well as NPS staff. Our collections are developed through the support of our partners, donations, and library collection purchases. Reference staff are available by phone, email, fax or in person by appointment to assist you with your research in all of the Park's collections--with books, photographs, or even the objects cared for by collections staff.

 

View of the reading room in the Maritime Research Center showing researchers, NPS uniformed staff as well as visitors, at tables consulting archives, books, and audio materials, Reference Librarian Gina Bardi at the Reference Desk in the background.

NPS photo

Historical Archives

Immerse yourself in the rich maritime heritage preserved by the Maritime Research Center. Explore curated highlights categorized by subject, or uncover the unique connections between our collections and significant maritime events through “This Day in Maritime History.” Each collection provides a window into different facets of seafaring life, from historic voyages and engineering marvels to cultural and artistic expressions.

Discover the stories that shaped maritime history and find hidden treasures that connect the past with the present. Whether you’re a historian, student, artist, or enthusiast, our collections offer an unparalleled journey into the world of maritime exploration.

Explore the Largest Maritime Collection on the West Coast

The Maritime Research Center proudly preserves and offers access to the most extensive maritime collection on the West Coast. Our holdings include:

• 35,000 published titles, encompassing more than 74,000 individual items
• 500,000 photographs, capturing maritime moments and history
• 1,800 archival and manuscript collections, chronicling maritime narratives
• 150,000 naval architecture and marine engineering drawings
• 3,000 maps and charts, providing insight into historic and contemporary navigation
• 150,000 feet of motion picture film and video, documenting maritime life and events
• 6,000 historical archaeology artifacts, revealing past maritime cultures
• 2,500 pieces of folk and fine art, showcasing the artistic side of seafaring heritage
• 40,000 history objects, significant to maritime stories
• 100 small craft, each with unique histories
• 50,000 pieces of ephemera, capturing maritime experiences and memorabilia
• 600 oral histories and audio recordings, preserving personal stories and firsthand accounts

Photo Galleries

See our rich collection of visual media:

• Historic images
• Photographs of items from our extensive collections
• Park images that capture the essence of maritime heritage

Museum Objects

Our Object Collections range from large vessel parts to fine art and everyday artifacts of life at sea. These items serve as tangible links to maritime history, blending the iconic with the practical.

Note: Access to some stored museum artifacts and the small craft collection is currently unavailable due to relocation. Please contact us for research assistance. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

Archival Collections:

The Archival Collections concern the history and achievements of seafaring Americans primarily of the Pacific Coast of North America covering the span of history from the California Gold Rush era to the recent past. They include paper records (such as manuscripts, naval architecture and marine engineering drawings), photographs, film and video, and audio records on tape and digital media. The major subjects encompassed in the archives are oceanic and coastal trade, the San Francisco Bay and river systems, marine harvesting, marine business, labor and shore-based support activities.

Library Collections:

The Library Collections consist of published titles dating from 1536 to the present, including cartographic materials dating from 1650 to the present primarily covering the Pacific Basin and the West Coast of the United States, as well as audio and video materials in multiple formats.

Small Craft Collection:

The Park's Small Craft Collections consist of traditional and significant vessels that provide a fine introduction to boatbuilding and maritime trades.

 

Museum Collections Highlights

The Maritime Research Center at San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park holds a diverse array of collections that illuminate various aspects of maritime history and culture. Our curated collections offer a unique window into the multifaceted stories of seafaring communities and their lasting legacies. Search by subject to explore the captivating narratives and artifacts that shape maritime history:

Featured Collection Subjects:

• African heritage and history
• America's Cup and yacht racing
• Animals
• Arts, crafts, skills, and artists, artisans, and craft workers
• Asian heritage and history
• Boats and small craft
• Companies and organizations (naval architectural and engineering firms, engine manufacturers, shipping lines, shipyards, boatyards, etc.)
• Geneaology resources at SF Maritime NHP
• Kenichi Horie's sailing alone across the Pacific
• Language and literature
• Life aboard ship (crew or passenger, at work or at play, including preparing to go to sea, shipping out, etc.)
• Steam
• Sailing ships
• Time
• Women

 

For More Information

The Maritime Research Center provides access to the library, archives and museum collections and encourages research in maritime history and humanities.

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