A Journey Rooted in Community and Legacy

A California girl at heart, Marie L Morrisroe was born and grew up in Los Angeles. While she did move with her husband to the East Coast for a time, as promised by her husband they made their way back to California, settling in Pasadena for 25 years. They eventually found their way to Santa Barbara looking for a peaceful weekend getaway – somewhere pet-friendly, by the beach, and no more than two hours from Pasadena. After a long search, they discovered Montecito Shores, and what began as a small weekend escape soon became their full-time home. “My husband and I moved in permanently in 1996, and after his passing over two decades ago, I remained here, grateful for the life we built together,” said Marie. “To sum up, I have been in Santa Barbara now for almost 30 years, and I am so happy that I have found a place where I can meet people and continue to be active in the community.”

An active volunteer, Marie gives her time to the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Docent Council, an organization she gravitated toward after spending 22 years as a court reporter for the Superior Court in Los Angeles County. “My experience naturally led me to volunteer at the courthouse after retirement, where I am now active on the Docent Council and run the information booth,” said Marie. “I find the work incredibly satisfying, meeting visitors from around the world, sharing the courthouse’s rich history, and engaging with a delightful group of fellow volunteers.”

Marie’s connection to the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum began when she attended a talk at the museum given by her former doctor, Roger Dunham. That single lecture sparked an enduring interest in the museum’s lecture series and outreach programs. Today, Marie is the signature sponsor of the museum’s Maritime Distinguished Speaker Series and appreciates the variety and quality of the speakers. “After hearing Dr. Dunham’s lecture, I started coming to the lecture series. I was impressed by the staff’s dedication and the museum’s role in the community – especially its outreach programs,” said Marie. “I have invested in SBMM’s mission ever since, and plan to continue my investment into the future.” To further her investment, Marie has joined the museum’s Flagship Society, a program for those individuals making a planned gift for the museum. Through her gift, Marie is ensuring SBMM’s legacy will continue in the community. “Santa Barbara offers so much—culture, education, nature—and I feel fortunate to live in a place that supports such vibrant community involvement,” said Marie. “Whether attending inspiring SBMM lectures or welcoming guests at the courthouse, I’ve found pleasure, connection, and purpose here. Through my legacy gift and ongoing volunteer work, I’m proud to honor the people and places I love—and to remain actively involved in the community that has given me so much.”

Leaving a legacy for SBMM matters because it’s one of the most powerful ways to make sure the museum’s impact doesn’t stop with us—it keeps serving Santa Barbara for generations.

• Protects what’s irreplaceable: Legacy gifts help preserve artifacts, archives, and stories of the Santa Barbara Channel that can’t be replaced once lost.
• Sustains education for kids and families: Planned gifts create long-term stability for hands-on learning programs that connect young people to science, history, and ocean stewardship.
• Keeps exhibits and speakers accessible: A stronger financial foundation helps SBMM continue bringing in compelling exhibitions and expert voices—while keeping admission and programming within reach.
• Builds resilience for the future: Museums face rising costs and unpredictable funding; legacy support provides a “steady anchor” that helps SBMM weather change and plan boldly.
• Reflects love for this place: Like Marie, a legacy gift is a lasting way to honor the coast, the community, and the people who shaped your life—by investing in a shared local treasure.

Planned Giving Options

To join the Flagship Society, an intended donation must include SBMM as the primary beneficiary. You may make an unrestricted planned gift, which will provide the museum with the flexibility to meet the most urgent needs. Or you might prefer to designate your estate or planned gift to the endowment, to benefit SBMM’s youth programs, or to honor a loved one. While SBMM appreciates all planned gifts, only gifts of $10,000 or more qualify someone for the Flagship Society.

Maximizing your gift and participating in planned giving are strategic ways to leave a legacy while helping to secure SBMM’s work into the future. Your Flagship Society gift may also provide you with significant tax advantages and can continue to provide income to you and your heirs. Individuals may join the Flagship Society by making contributions to SBMM through one or more of the following planned giving opportunities:

• In your living trust or will.
• Beneficiary of a life insurance policy.
• By gifting assets from a tax-deferred retirement plan, such as a 401(k) plan or an IRA.
• By establishing a charitable trust that can provide lifetime income to a loved one as well as a significant future gift to the Maritime Museum.
• As a final legacy in a donor advised fund.
  • Already have a donor advised fund? Make a gift from your Fidelity Charitable or Schwab Charitable account.