Saved from deterioration by historically-minded citizens, the building has been beautifully restored, and now houses the largest maritime museum in California. This 75,000 square foot facility features more than 700 ship and boat models, a variety of navigational equipment and an operating amateur radio station. Exhibits include Native American artifacts relating to the sea, ship figureheads, maritime arts and crafts and an 18-foot scale model of the Titanic. Historical exhibits of the whaling industry, tall ships, commercial shipping, the Navy, the Merchant Marine and recreational sailing.

Try your hand at tying any of the 64 types of seaman's knots on display. Grip the wheel of a 19th-century sailing ship. Visitors can views an old fishing boat and a tugboat while watching ships in the harbor, or participate in classes on such topics as small boat handling, scrimshaw, celestial navigation, and ship model building.

Group tours are available by appointment. Adults $3.00, Youth and Senior Citizens $1.00, Children Free.