THE WORLD WAS FOREVER CHANGED when, in 1492, Christopher Columbus set sail searching for a direct trade route to the Indies. Carrying him was the Santa Maria, a 98-foot wooden "nao", or typical cargo ship.

More than 500 years later, you can tour the world's most authentic, museum-quality replica of Christopher Columbus' flagship. Guided tours dramatize the daring and determination it took for these explorers to set out on their mission. Fascinating displays show the far-ranging impact of the encounter of two worlds that existed in 1492.

LET THE FIRING OF THE CANNON BEGIN APRIL 12, 2008!
It's the Columbus Santa Maria's 17th season and we're ready to start this year with A BANG! A flag raising ceremony presented by the sea cadets will take place at noon along with cannon fire. All tours that day will be 99 cents per person for anyone 5 years and older, under the age of 5 is free. Grab the Opening Day press release (PDF).

IN MEMORIUM TO TOM "THE COLONEL" CARTER!
On Tuesday April 8, 2008, one of our most active volunteers, Tom ("The colonel") Carter, passed away. Continuing his generosity, he requested that donations be made to the Columbus Santa Maria in his name. Donations can be made to Columbus Santa Maria Inc. 1111 E. Broad Street Lower Level, Columbus, OH 43205 or by clicking here.

ALL HANDS ON DECK!
Adult and teen volunteers are needed. For a fun, educational experience, the Santa Maria is looking for tours guides, special event volunteers, carpenters, and maintenance people. Volunteer application available in Adobe PDF Format.

INVISIBILITY? - YES!
The Santa Maria Seeds of Change Visitor Education Center is now the home of the world's first multimedia exhibit on successful invisibility research, featuring the Santa Maria herself!

The Santa Maria Experiment exhibit is the first display to feature actual successful research in optical invisibility. The exhibit combines history from two different epochs to prove a scientific theory of how objects can be made invisible through the bending of light.

There's no doubt that the subject of invisibility has captured the public's imagination. That makes seeing the Santa Maria Experiment exhibit a must! Find out more at the official web site.

CHILDREN'S PIRATE BIRTHDAY PARTY!
The Santa Maria pirate party is an absolute one-of-a-kind birthday experience that no child will ever forget. Complete with games, a tour of the ship, pirate hats, goody bags, cake and punch, this one and a half hour children's party is an incredible bargain at just $275.00 for up to 20 guests.

Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Each additional child is $13. Call 614.645.8760 for more information and to reserve your birthday date...TODAY!