Distinguished Speaker Series: Susan Sirota
August 5 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
The Ocean Institute’s Distinguished Speaker Series, presented by the Nicholas Endowment, brings interesting innovations, real-world research, exotic experiences, and delightful discoveries to the surface through powerful presentations from an ocean of experts. Speakers present on a variety of topics ranging from ocean researchers, ocean authors, ocean artists, and ocean athletes.
Light snacks & Refreshments available for purchase at event.
Distinguished Speaker: Susan Sirota
Description:
Join Deputy Director of the National Maritime Historical Society Susan Sirota for an engaging exploration of the West Coast maritime image—where it came from, how it has been shaped, and why it matters now more than ever. Drawing on decades of leadership in maritime history, education, and nonprofit organizations, Ms. Sirota examines how today’s stewards and interpreters of maritime identity translate science, history, and lived experience for the public. This talk explores the challenges these organizations have faced over time, the pressures they encounter in an era of environmental and cultural change, and how a clear sense of purpose, storytelling, and public trust can help navigate an uncertain future.
Wednesday, August 5
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Doors open at 5:30pm, talk begins at 6:00pm
$10 – General
FREE – Members
FREE – Students (with Valid ID)
About Susan:
Susan Sirota is a maritime historian and nonprofit leader with more than 30 years of experience bringing West Coast maritime stories to life for broad public audiences. She currently serves as Deputy Director of the National Maritime Historical Society and spent nearly three decades at the Maritime Museum of San Diego, where she created hands-on educational programs, curated exhibits, managed tall ship festivals, and designed and directed the Pacific Heritage Tour for the replica 1542 San Salvadore that connected hundreds of thousands of people to the Pacific’s maritime past. Deeply committed to place-based learning, Susan’s work explores how the Pacific has shaped California’s communities, culture, and sense of identity—making maritime history relevant, accessible, and meaningful for all ages.
