After 17 years as the executive director of the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (SBMM), Greg Gorga is preparing to step down in December 2025.

Gorga leaves behind a legacy of growth, resilience, and community impact. In an interview reflecting on his time at the museum, Gorga shared insights into his accomplishments, challenges, and hopes for the future of the institution he helped shape.

Gorga said he takes pride in his role at SBMM, describing it as the most rewarding position of his 40-plus-year career.

Under his leadership, the museum weathered difficult times, including the 2008 recession and COVID-19 pandemic, yet managed to grow and thrive.

"We doubled our budget over the 17 years," he said, highlighting how keeping the doors open was an accomplishment in itself during financial crises.

Two key achievements stand out for Gorga: the buyout of SBMM's lease, which ensured the museum's long-term sustainability; and the successful installation of the Point Conception First-Order Fresnel Lens, a $400,000 project that became a focal point of the museum.

"It turned the museum around," Gorga said.

The lens, one of the most significant maritime artifacts on the California coast, drew wide public attention and remains a symbol of the museum's success.

Gorga also emphasized the expansion of SBMM's programming, what has become the Maritime Distinguished Speaker Series, which continued even during financial struggles.

"Probably the smartest thing I did was to keep that lecture series going," he said, noting how it provided a monthly reason for members to return.

The museum's commitment to education, especially through programs led by staff members like education director Lis Perry and curator Emily Falke, has garnered national recognition, bringing thousands of local students to the water and fostering a love for the ocean.

This culminated in 2021 with the museum awarded accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums for meeting National Standards and Best Practices for U.S. Museums.

Unconventional path to maritime leadership

Gorga's journey to museum leadership was driven not by a long-held passion for maritime history, but by opportunity. With a background in the restaurant business and later as a grant writer, he initially had no maritime or museum experience.

"I knew port and starboard, and my dad was in the Coast Guard. That was my maritime background," he said.

Gorga's love of learning and history, however, allowed him to thrive in the role, becoming an expert in the local maritime heritage of Santa Barbara through interaction with docents, exhibits, and lectures. His natural curiosity and management experience made him a perfect fit for the job.

Overcoming financial challenges

Throughout his tenure, Gorga faced significant financial challenges, particularly with the museum's steep rent payments.

"We were paying $13,000 a month to the city of Santa Barbara," he said.

Despite these obstacles, Gorga and his team navigated the museum through these financial strains, relying on strong relationships with key donors and board members, like the Schuylers, Writers, and Chrismans, to sustain operations.

Another hurdle was establishing the museum as an important destination for locals and tourists.

When he first arrived, Gorga noted that the museum was "very white male-centric," and lacked the vibrancy and diversity it needed. By introducing rotating art exhibits and creating a more welcoming environment, SBMM became a more engaging and culturally rich space, he said.

Proud legacy

One of Gorga's most memorable projects was bringing the Fresnel lens to the museum. Curator Emily Falke coordinated with the Coast Guard and ranch owners to transport the 6,000-pound historic object to its new home, which was a massive undertaking.

"People came just to see it," he said, noting how visitors would spend significant time admiring the artifact, which has since become a signature piece for SBMM.

Beyond the physical exhibits, Gorga said he is proud of the relationships he has built over the years. He fondly recalls working with prominent figures in the maritime community, such as Ernie Brooks, Jean-Michel Cousteau, Lad Handelman, Bob Kirby, Shaun Tompson, and Renny Yater, as well as his dedicated team of staff and volunteers.

"Greg has been the charismatic leader and face of our museum for many years," said SBMM Board president Chuck Wilson. "He exudes passion, vision, and a sense of humor. He is well respected and received by those inside and outside our museum walls."

Hopes for the future

As he prepares for retirement, Gorga's hopes for the museum's future are clear. He said he wants SBMM to continue bringing in top-notch art exhibits and inspiring young people to care for our oceans.

He emphasized the importance of bridging the education gap for students in Santa Barbara, a county with high levels of poverty, by providing them with hands-on, project-based learning experiences.

"Those kids are going to go on to do great things," he said.

Gorga's advice for his successor: "Bring your own skills and passion to the museum."

He hopes the next executive director will continue to build on the museum's successes and take it in new directions, all while appreciating the groundwork laid by the current team.

Looking ahead

Though he is retiring from his full-time role, Gorga said he intends to stay involved with SBMM in some capacity, perhaps through consulting or assisting other nonprofits.

He also hopes to travel, write, and explore personal hobbies like yoga, tennis and guitar, pursuits that have taken a backseat during his busy tenure as executive director.

At SBMM, Gorga leaves behind a thriving institution that has become a cornerstone of the Santa Barbara community.