During the 1800s the town of Ramsey on the north coast of the Isle of Man was a thriving and internationally-acclaimed centre of ship building.
In 1863 the ship yard became the first in the world to produce an oil tanker (known as The Jane) and later that year the Euterpe was launched.
After extensive renovation following the World War Two, the Star of India is now unique, laying claim to the title of the oldest active sailing ship in the world.
Heather Ruffino, from Ramsey Town Commissioners, said the ship's survival was a great success story.
"This is a very special day for the Isle of Man, the Star of India is a celebration of the level of skill of those who worked in Ramsey ship yard - she is a Manx survivor.
"The Star of India has been amazingly, authentically restored and so much of the original craftsmanship can still be seen.
"She may be many thousands of miles away but the ship still holds a very special place in the hearts and minds of people here."
A series of celebrations have been planned to mark the 150th anniversary of the Star of India's launch from Ramsey, including a live web link-up between the Isle of Man and San Diego.
Margaid Bird and Paul Boulton from Ramsey Commissioners have travelled to San Diego to present a Manx flag to the museum.
The flag will join other exhibits in the maritime museum dedicated to the Star of India.