Dr. Ray Ashley, former President/CEO of the San Diego Maritime Museum

Dr. Ray Ashley retired in January 2025 after 30 years as President/CEO of the San Diego Maritime Museum. He holds a BA in Anthropology from UCSD, an MA in Maritime History and Museum Studies from East Carolina University, and a PhD in History from Duke University. 

Dr. Ashley is a contributor to several professional and historical publications including Mains’l Haul, where he has been author of the publication’s introductory column since it became a peer review journal, American Neptune, and Sea History. He has been curator of several of the Museum’s major exhibitions including the award winning Cook, Melville, and Gauguin: Three Voyages to Paradise, and most recently, The Art of Navigation.

DR, Ashley is also a licensed Master Mariner with thousands of miles oceans experience in sailing a variety of vessels including historic steam ships and motor vessels as well as replicas of an 1848 Revenue Cutter, an 18th century  British frigate, and a 16th century Spanish Galleon (constructed over five years by a team which Dr. Ashley lead)

Dr. Ashley is Chair of the Ships Council for the Narional Maritime Historical Society and the Historic Ships Committee of USICOMOS.

Dr. Ashley has been recognized with lifetime achievement awards by both the Maritime Alliance/Blue Tech in San Diego, the International Maritime Heritage Alliance, and in 2014 was knighted with the rank of Knight Commander, Order of Isabella la Catholica by direction of his Majesty, King Felipe VI of Spain