Take Me to the Water: Histories of the Black Pacific

September 2, 2026

The Maritime Museum of San Diego has launched an exhibit examining the historically underrepresented connections between Black communities and the Pacific Ocean across multiple centuries. Developed with UC San Diego curator Dr. Caroline Collins, the exhibition showcases Black maritime workers including sailors, whalers, fishers, and explorers who contributed significantly to Pacific maritime industries and coastal development from the 16th through 20th centuries. The exhibit uses research, storytelling, and historical interpretation to broaden traditional maritime narratives by highlighting themes of labor, migration, resilience, and cultural exchange.

Who is affected

Black communities and their descendants whose maritime histories are being documented
Visitors to the Maritime Museum of San Diego
Dr. Caroline Collins (UC San Diego curator and exhibit partner)
Maritime Museum of San Diego staff and stakeholders
Black mariners, sailors, whalers, fishers, waterfront workers, explorers, soldiers, surfers, swimmers, and scholars (historical subjects)
Coastal communities across the Pacific region

What action is being taken

The Maritime Museum of San Diego is displaying the "Take Me to the Water: Histories of the Black Pacific" exhibit
The museum is offering the exhibit as part of general admission tickets
The museum is operating daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Why it matters

This exhibit addresses a significant gap in maritime history by documenting and celebrating the often-overlooked contributions of Black mariners to Pacific Ocean exploration, labor, and cultural development. By expanding beyond traditional limited narratives, the exhibition creates space for important conversations about inclusion, identity, and belonging in maritime history. It provides a more complete and accurate understanding of how the Pacific world was shaped through diverse human connections, revealing that maritime history encompasses not just trade and exploration but also the resilience, skills, and cultural contributions of Black communities across centuries.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint