Maritime Distinguished Speaker Series, “The History of the Goleta Slough” featuring Tom Modugno, local Goleta historian and creator of GoletaHistory.com.

The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum is pleased to present the June offering of its Maritime Distinguished Speaker Series, “The History of the Goleta Slough” featuring Tom Modugno, local Goleta historian and creator of GoletaHistory.com. Using a collection of captivating photographs, Modugno will guide attendees through the slough’s rich history—from its origins as the site of Chumash origins to its current state as Santa Barbara’s municipal airport. Despite various incarnations and development proposals over the years, the Goleta Slough has maintained its status as a unique and invaluable natural environment. In 1987, 440 acres of Goleta slough became the Goleta Slough Ecological Reserve, which today is managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. This large swath of land is home to a variety of habitats and species such as: ducks, shorebirds, herons and mice among rivers, wetlands, estuaries. About the Speaker Tom Modugno is a lifetime resident of Goleta and a small business owner in the region. As a local history enthusiast, he has realized the majority of local residents are unaware of the region’s rich history. To fill this gap in historical awareness, Tom initiated, designed, and implemented the popular website Goleta History.com in 2014. Since then, Goleta history.com has provided the public a range of important and engaging information on key historical sites and events in the Goleta region. His articles have encouraged residents and visitors to explore and preserve the remaining landmarks, buildings and historical stories of the community, especially the Barnsdall Gas Station and the two original hangars at the airport.