About the Foundation
The Mare Island Historic Park Foundation is a non-profit organization with the stated mission to collect, preserve and interpret the history of the Mare Island Naval Shipyard, and to present exhibits and programs that explore, educate and celebrate the diverse military and cultural aspects of the base.
Our Foundational Tenets
Upon its founding in 1854, Mare Island became an integral keystone in American history. Our Foundation, started in 1996 upon the closure of the Shipyard, is comprised of Mare Island and Navy veterans, history enthusiasts, local business owners, caretakers, and philanthropists who believe in the power of historical conservation and the impact it has on future generations.
Our Landmarks
The Foundation maintains and manages two national historical landmarks: St. Peter’s Chapel and the Admiral’s Mansion. In 2019, the Foundation oversaw the restoration and installation of the USS Vallejo Submarine Sail Memorial on Mare Island’s historic core. Ongoing, the Foundation supports numerous efforts to document and maintain the historical sites throughout the Island.
Our Collection
In addition to an extensive reference library including comprehensive records of the island and over 10,000 photos, the Foundation stewards the largest collection of Navy artifacts outside of Navy Hands. The Foundation operated a popular museum that was closed in 2020 due to accessibility and structural issues; the Foundation is currently in the process of a site search and designing an exciting reimagining of the museum.
The Experience
The Foundation provides tours of Mare Island and its landmarks for private groups, schools, bus tours, and the likes. We host events that explore the rich history of Mare Island. We are also actively working to bring our extensive collection online in a digital format for the public. Become a member to fully experience what the Foundation has to offer.
Board of Directors
The professionals and caretakers of the Island’s history.
Founder: Mare Island Brewing Co and Road 31 Wine Co. Director: Vallejo Chamber of Commerce and Vallejo Waterfront Weekend. Mare Island resident since 2006.
Principal Engineer: Environmental Remediation Resources, Inc. Former (22 year) Mare Island manager. Past president of Navy Yard Association. Trustee for ERISA employee benefit plan.
Former (36 year) Mare Island nuclear engineer. Former President and former Chairman of Board of Trustees for Navy Yard Association (28 years).
Sr. Accountant, Atlas Vineyard Management in Napa. Former tax preparer and bank manager. Benicia Library volunteer.
Retired Businessman
United States Navy veteran. Retired Visit Vallejo and Solano County Film Office. Former Director and President: Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum.
Navy, USS Haleakala, 2 years. AP writer/editor, 39 years. Vallejo history writer (2 books, 140+ Times-Herald columns). Vallejo Architectural Heritage and Landmarks Commissioner. Former Director: Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum.
US Army (2 years). Retired 30 year Environmental Engineer; Shell Oil. Consultant. Past Trustee Vallejo School Board. Mare Island Resident, Base Restoration Advisory Board Member, and Mosquito Abatement Trustee.
Former Dir. of Education at UCLA Museum of Cultural History, Walters Art Museum (MD), and Norton Art Museum (GA). Retired Marketing Dir. for start-up tech companies. Island Resident since 2012.
Former Dir. Business Development, Mare Island Dry Dock LLC. Board Member: California Maritime Alumni Association.
Master Chief Petty Officer, US Navy, retired (30 yrs). Vice President of the Santa Clara Valley Council of the Navy League. Former Chair of Membership, Moffett Field Museum Board of Directors.
Retired (20 years) Commander, Navy Chaplain Corps. Mare Island Chaplain 1973-1977. Credited with saving St. Peter’s Chapel from demolition.
Help us Preserve the Rich History of Mare Island
We honor the island and the integral role it played in defining American History as we know it. Please consider becoming a sustaining member to support our ongoing operation, but you can also see (and contribute to) the specific projects we are currently working on that need your support!
A Special Thank You to these Major Benefactors.
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Contact Us
Questions or comments about the foundation? Leave us a message and we’ll respond as quickly as possible.
