Reflections from Mystic: CAMM Conference 2026

As Executive Director of the Channel Islands Maritime Museum, I was fortunate to attend the recent Council of American Maritime Museums (CAMM) Conference in Mystic, Connecticut, along with Shoshanna Hnat, our Director of Programs and Engagement. The experience provided an incredible opportunity to connect with fellow maritime museum leaders and preservation professionals from across the country, from organizations focused on freshwater lakes and inland rivers to coastal museums and lighthouse preservation groups stretching from Hawaii to Maine.

One of the most memorable aspects of the conference was experiencing the extraordinary history of Mystic itself, often considered one of the “holy grails” of American shipbuilding. Between the late 1700s and early 1900s, Mystic shipyards produced more than 600 wooden sailing vessels that traveled the globe in trade, whaling, and commerce. Walking through Mystic Seaport felt like stepping directly into living maritime history.

Inside one of the several ship sheds at the Mystic Shipyard.

One of the highlights of our visit was touring the Museum’s active preservation shipyard, where skilled shipwrights continue restoring historic wooden vessels using traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations. Watching these craftsmen at work was both fascinating and inspiring, and served as an important reminder that preserving maritime heritage is not only about displaying artifacts, but also about preserving the skills and trades connected to them.

We also had the opportunity to ride aboard the Sabino, a beautifully preserved steamship dating back to the early 1900s. This experience gave us a deeper appreciation for the engineering and transportation systems that once connected coastal communities throughout America.

Experiences like this strengthen our work here in Oxnard and help ensure that the Channel Islands Maritime Museum continues serving our community with fresh ideas, meaningful programming, and a deep appreciation for maritime history. We are grateful for the opportunity to represent our museum and look forward to bringing many of these insights back to our visitors, members, and supporters.