The Stockton Historical Maritime Museum is established to preserve the rich history of the maritime industry of Stockton, California which began in the 19th century. This industry started with freight shipping and passenger transportation from the San Francisco Bay to a departure point into the Gold Rush county of the Mother Lode. Stockton prospered providing a maritime way point for points south, east and north.

As the maritime industry grew, so did the need to build ships and vessels to meet the needs of this shipping industry and provide some of the finest sailing ships, motor yachts, and military craft. This rich industry bred numerous supporting companies and provided upwards of 30,000 jobs at peak ship building activity during World War II. Many Stocktonians and their descendants can trace their livelihood and successes back to these companies that relied upon the strong maritime industry.

To create a permanent museum providing public access to Stockton’s historical and cultural past involving the use of ships to prosper its creation, growth and prosperity.