The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (SBMM) has named Roger Chrisman and Robert Kieding as emeritus board members, recognizing their service, leadership, and contributions to SBMM.
“Both men have played vital roles in SBMM’s development and success, helping guide the museum from its earliest years into the thriving cultural institution it is today,” the museum said.
“Roger Chrisman has long been a steady force behind the museum’s growth, influence and longevity,” SBMM said.
A lifelong boater and ardent community supporter, he became involved with SBMM in its formative years, when what began as a yacht club project expanded into a broader vision for the entire Santa Barbara community.
Among Chrisman’s most significant contributions was helping secure and preserve the Point Conception Lighthouse lens, the museum’s iconic first-order Fresnel lens crafted in France in 1865.
He played a key role in the complex effort to relocate the massive artifact from the remote lighthouse to the museum, transforming it into one of SBMM’s centerpieces.
Chrisman has been an advocate for the museum’s educational mission, particularly programs that bring students onto the water and connect them with the Santa Barbara Channel through firsthand experience, including support for tall ship educational programs that provide immersive, hands-on learning opportunities.
Kieding is one of the founding forces behind SBMM and served as a past board president.A lifelong sailor, Kieding helped plant the seed for the museum when the city of Santa Barbara received the old Naval Reserve Building and sought ideas for its future.
From early meetings at his business The Chandlery, Kieding brought together like-minded individuals determined to preserve and share the maritime history of the Santa Barbara coast.
Kieding helped secure essential artifacts, including the historic Ranger; contributed personal maritime items; supported exhibit development; and served as an advocate for the museum’s broader vision.
Kieding’s leadership helped ensure that SBMM would tell the full story of Santa Barbara’s relationship to the sea—from sailing and shipbuilding to oil, Indigenous maritime culture, and working waterfront history.
“Roger Chrisman and Bob Kieding have each given so much to the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum,” said Dr. Alex Weinstein, SBMM Board president.
“Their leadership, generosity, and deep belief in the importance of preserving our maritime heritage have helped shape SBMM into the institution it is today,” Dr. Weinstein said. “We are honored to recognize them as emeritus board members.”