Petersen Automotive Museum Offers Free Digital Vault Tours During COVID-19 Closure

While temporarily closed until further notice, the museum will offer hour-long digital tours of the Vault presented by Hagerty® beginning Wednesday, March 25, 2020

For enthusiasts looking for digital entertainment during this time, the Petersen Automotive Museum will stream Vault tours for free during its temporary closure. Led by Collection Manager Dana Williamson, the hour-long digital tour will provide rare access to never-before-seen vehicles from the Vault presented by Hagerty®. Each live stream session is themed. Upcoming sessions are as follows:

• Fri 5/8 11am - Ferrari Deep Dive Pt 1

• Sat 5/9 11am - Jay Ward Interview

• Sun 5/10 11am - Bobby Rahal Collection Tour Pt 1

• Mon 5/11 11am - Ferrari Deep Dive Pt. 2

• Wed 5/13 11am - Bruce Canepa Interview Pt 2

• Thu 5/14 11am - Mario Andretti Race Footage Pt 1 (from the archive)

• Fri 5/15 11am - BMW Deep Dive

• Sat 5/16 11am - Kip Cyprus Collection Walkthrough Pt 1

• Sun 5/17 11am - Bobby Rahal Exclusive Interview Pt 1

• Mon 5/18 11am - A Look Inside Pagani

• Wed 5/20 11am - Kip Cyprus Collection Walkthrough Pt 2

• Thu 5/21 11am - Mario Andretti Race Footage Pt 2 (from the archive)

• Sat 5/23 11am - Bobby Rahal Exclusive Interview Pt 2

• Sun 5/24 8am - Global Cars and Coffee

Admission to view online Vault tours will be by suggested donation. Donations allow the museum to continue to maintain its collection and support staff and digital programs during its closure.

“Free Vault tours offer enthusiasts around the world an opportunity to enjoy our collection from the comfort of home,” said Petersen Executive Director Terry L. Karges. “These are tough times, but we are happy to give back to the community and fellow enthusiasts by providing a source of entertainment and education.”

In addition to the paid tour, the Petersen is also offering free online educational programming for students during the closure. To purchase a digital Vault tour or learn more about the museum’s free online educational programming, please visit www.petersen.org/online-education.

To learn more about the digital Vault tours, please visit www.petersen.org/vault-purchase. For more information about the Petersen Automotive Museum and its exhibits, visit www.petersen.org.

ABOUT THE PETERSEN

The Petersen Automotive Museum Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charity. The museum is located at 6060 Wilshire Blvd. (at Fairfax) in Los Angeles, California 90036. Admission prices are $16 for general admission adults, $14 for seniors and $11 for children ages 4 to 17. Active military with ID, personal care attendants and children under age 4 are admitted free. For general information, call 323-930-CARS or visit www.petersen.org.

Santa Barbara Maritime Museum 20th Anniversary Virtual Surf Themed Fundraiser on May 29th

The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (SBMM) first opened its doors on July 29, 2000, with the unique mission to present and interpret the rich and diverse maritime history of the Santa Barbara Channel including important environmental issues. Now, SBMM is turning 20 and sailing on to new horizons, expanding and improving its many exhibits and educational activities for all ages.

To celebrate this important anniversary, The Museum had planned an exciting surfing-themed fundraiser for this year, honoring surf legends Shaun Thomson and Renny Yater, with Gregory Harrison as the Emcee, Hawaiian shirts and attire, hula dancing, music and classic surfing videos. Due to the limits on public gatherings, however, SBMM has decided to replace our traditional in-person annual fundraiser with our first ever week-long gala and online auction.

On Friday, May 29, 2020, members of the public will be able to log in to this special celebration on sbmm.org/20thsurf and hear from our speakers, view exciting surfing moments in history, and bid on auction items including artwork, vacation stays, vintage surfing memorabilia and clothing, and much, much more. This event also gives participants the opportunity to help support and sponsor specific museum activities and exhibits by “raising a virtual paddle” for our children’s educational programs, lectures, new exhibits, and other special events throughout the year.

Reynolds “Renny” Yater was one of the first commercial surfboard builders of the 1950s, a generation that put surfing on the map; and Shaun Tomson a former World Surf Champion, was named one of the 10 Greatest Surfers of All Time. Emcee Gregory Harrison, an actor, surfer, and close friend to Shaun Tomson, starred as Chandler in the 1987 surf film North Shore, among many other films and will be recognized by many for his role as Dr. George Alonzo “Gonzo” Gates on Trapper John MD. The attached press release provides further information about our honorees and the event, and I hope you will help me inform the community about this fun event to benefit the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum in this difficult time.