The Tomales Regional History Center (TRHC) invites the public to dive into the archaeology and rugged maritime heritage of the local coastline.
California’s Maritime Highways: The Economic Shaping of Northern California explores how the maritime routes in and around northern California empowered rapid historic economic growth. From tule canoes to paddle wheelers — California has a rich, diverse and robust maritime heritage.
The talk will touch on the early maritime development around San Francisco, the Delta, and north coast, looking at our history through maritime archaeology and history.
About the Speaker Sheli Smith was born and raised in Northern California, where she developed a lifelong connection to the region’s rivers and bays through sailing. Throughout her career, she has led archaeological projects exploring Gold Rush-era shipwrecks, helped establish underwater parks across California, and contributed to the development of innovative museum programs that bring maritime history to life.
TRHC Sunday Lecture Series is curated by Carin Jacobs, Place Matters.
Event Details:
What: California’s Maritime Highways: The Economic Shaping of Northern California Guest Lecture
When: Sunday, July 19, 2026 | 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Free Admission
Where: Tomales Regional History Center, 26701 Highway One, Tomales, CA 94971