Ocean Institute Founder Stan Cummings, Ph.D.  

A Legacy: 1945 – 2021

The late Stan Cummings had a vision back in 1977: To create an oceanside learning facility that would accommodate study programs in support of the school curriculum by providing exciting hands-on opportunities for students to become research scientists, oceanographers, and explorers, while immersed in Ocean Institute school-day and weekend programs.  

Just a few highlights from his time leading the Ocean Institute: 

• He established the institute’s annual Tall Ships Festival in 1986. It continues to this day as the Maritime Festival. 
• He led the way to create the Ocean in Motion van, which brought ocean education directly into classrooms. 
• He brought the R/V Sea Explorer into the Ocean Institute family in 1994. 
• He led the continued development of the Ocean Institute to what it is today. 

As time went by, awards and recognition followed, including:  

• The inaugural Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Maritime Education from the National Maritime Historical Society in 1995 
• The Sea Education Program of the Year award from the American Sail Training Association in 1996  
• National Science Foundation Awards in 2003 and 2005 
• Orange County Department of Education Award for Outstanding Contributions to Education 

1977–1991 – Founding & Public Agency Operations

The Orange County Marine Institute (OCMI) is established through a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) between the County of Orange, Orange County Department of Education, and five community college districts. Formalized in 1978, the organization operates as a public agency, with operations managed by OCDE and oversight from a multi-agency governing board.

Vision: Connect students to the ocean through hands-on marine science and environmental education.

1981 – Summer Camp Program Launches

The Ocean Institute introduces its first summer camp programs, expanding hands-on marine science education for students beyond the school year.

1984 – Tall Ships Festival Established

The Ocean Institute launches the Tall Ships Festival, a signature community event celebrating maritime history that becomes a cornerstone of public engagement for decades.

1985 – Brig Pilgrim Acquired

The Ocean Institute acquires the Brig Pilgrim, a replica of the historic tall ship made famous in Two Years Before the Mast, launching immersive maritime history programs at sea.

1994 – R/V Sea Explorer Acquired

The Ocean Institute acquires the R/V Sea Explorer, expanding hands-on ocean science programming and allowing students to conduct real-world research and exploration on the water.

1996–1999 – Transition to Ocean Institute

Assets and operations transfer to the nonprofit Friends of the Marine Institute in Orange County, shifting from a public agency to independent nonprofit governance. In 1999, the organization is renamed the Ocean Institute, unifying operations and securing a 35-year lease with the County of Orange in Dana Point Harbor.

During this transition, the organization adopts the guiding tagline:
“Experience is the Teacher.”

2001 – Spirit of Dana Point Acquired

The Ocean Institute adds the Spirit of Dana Point to its fleet, further expanding sailing and educational opportunities for students and the public.

2001 – Adopt-A-Class Program Launches
The Ocean Institute launches the Adopt-A-Class program, expanding access to hands-on marine science education by providing underserved Title I students with funded opportunities to participate in Ocean Institute programs at no cost to them.

2002 – Ocean Education Center Opens

The Ocean Institute opens a new ~34,000-square-foot Ocean Education Center, significantly expanding its campus and capacity to serve students. The facility enhances hands-on marine science and maritime programming through modern labs, exhibit spaces, and immersive learning environments, while also introducing updated branding and a refreshed visual identity and logo.

2007–2013 – Seaside Learning Center & Wharf Development

A $2 million grant from the California State Coastal Conservancy, along with support from the Maddie James Foundation, enables the development of expanded on-the-water learning facilities. In 2013, the Ocean Institute opens the Maddie James Seaside Learning Center and Historical Wharf, strengthening dockside programming and maritime education.

During this period, the Ocean Institute formalizes its mission:
“Using the ocean as our classroom, we inspire children to learn.”

2015 – Expansion to Public Programs & More Exhibits

The Ocean Institute expands beyond its core school programs, introducing greater public access through new exhibits—including Headlands and Beyond—along with expanded campus visitation and hands-on experiences for families and the broader community.

2019–2021 – Shark Exhibit & Sahm Family Foundation Marine Education Center

With support from the Sahm Family Foundation, the Ocean Institute develops and opens a new shark exhibit within the Sahm Marine Education Center. The ~$1 million project features a 4,000-gallon shark touch tank and interactive exhibits, expanding hands-on marine science learning for students and the public.

2020 – Maritime Festival Established

The Ocean Institute evolves its long-running Tall Ships Festival into the Maritime Festival, expanding the event to celebrate broader maritime history, culture, and community engagement.

2020–2021 – Adapting Through Changing Times

Programs evolve to continue delivering educational experiences through modified operations, expanded outdoor and on-the-water learning, and the launch of a virtual learning program reaching over 10,000 participants. During this time, the Chambers Gallery gift store is relocated into the main building, creating additional space for educational programming.

2023 – Maritime Barn Completed

With support from the Nicholas Endowment, the Ocean Institute completes the Maritime Barn and History Center, adding interactive elements such as a sailing history exhibit, gold panning stream, and rotating learning stations, expanding capacity for hands-on education.

2024 – “Our Ocean, Our Youth” Mural Installed

The Ocean Institute unveils Our Ocean, Our Youth, a large-scale mural by artist NöcHe, installed on the back of the facility. Created in collaboration with the Mares Foundation, the mural highlights native marine species and ecosystems and enhances the campus through public art and storytelling.

2025 – Estuary Exploration Exhibit Opens

The Ocean Institute expands its living exhibits with the addition of the Estuary Exploration Exhibit, an immersive, hands-on experience that highlights the importance of local coastal ecosystems. Designed to connect guests to the dynamic relationship between land and sea, the exhibit enhances environmental education through interactive learning and real-world application.

2025 – Coffee Importers & Ruby June Bakery Join Campus

Coffee Importers and Ruby June Bakery open on campus, activating the space as a daily destination and increasing public visitation. This addition enhances the guest experience and creates new opportunities for community connection, engagement, and extended time on campus.