The LA Maritime Museum ... an unexpected treat to maritime history of San Pedro

What an unexpected treat it was to visit the LA Maritime Museum and observe the maritime history of San Pedro and Los Angeles Harbor.

Along with over 700 models of boats and ships, artifacts and mementos from beloved ships are showcased.

Upstairs, a replica of the "Poseidon" modeled after the plans of the Queen Mary is poised against a back wall, while an amateur radio station is broadcasting from the other side.

A tribute to the Divers and the Canneries ....

Construction of the Los Angeles Harbor would not have been possible without the contribution of the commercial divers who were responsible for underwater construction, inspection and repair.The Divers Locker showed the lockers as they were and contained the helmets, which weighed a heavy 35 lbs., and the diving gear worn by the divers.

The Japanese Abalone Fisherman exhibit consisted of life-like divers hunting underwater for abalone. They were so life-like my grandson wouldn't get too close and got scared when his cousin got closer than he thought was safe.

Both of these were very interesting and I was in awe of how important these divers were to the development of the port and harbor area. Thankfully, this is an ongoing exhibit as is the cannery exhibit that pays tribute to the fishing industry and what it meant to the growth of the port and the canneries that are now gone.

Click here to see more tributes to our brave fisherman and also the American Merchant Marines.

I remember my elementary school field trip to one of the canneries and the old Starkist commercials and memorabilia they have exhibited there. It is sad to think all the canneries are gone now--another chapter of history closed.

And here until Spring 2008 ... "All Off for Catalina"

An exhibit here until spring is the "All Off for Catalina" display and is very entertaining. It takes you back to the Catalina of 100 years ago and what life was like there when it was owned by the Banning family.

After the big fire on the island in the early 1900's, the island was sold to the Wrigleys and the Wrigley mansion is still a point of interest there today.

There are pictures of 1930 era crowds taking the boats over to the island, excursions on the glass bottom boats and celebrities like Clark Gable posing on one of the decks.

Going through the LA Maritime Museum and the display of Catalina really sets the mood for a Catalina Island vacation! Click here for a glimpse of the beautiful sights of Catalina!!

Outside the LA Maritime Museum there are patios that overlook the harbor and the World Cruise Center San Pedro , and monuments from the USS Los Angeles. In the distance, sits the Vincent Thomas Bridge, the connection between the port and Terminal Island and Long Beach.