Emily Duncan Comes Full Circle in Her Role as SBMM’s Development Director
As a youth, Emily Duncan spent a lot of time at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum. She recalls running all over the museum, enjoying the Sportfishing exhibit and helping with fundraising events. SBMM was a very magical place for Emily, and as she got older the connection grew. Today, Emily is the organization’s development director, helping to raise funds for a mission that is near and dear to her heart. “Coming back to the museum in my new role is really a full circle moment for me,” said Emily. “Some things are the same, but a lot has changed, and it is exciting for me to see the museum’s evolution over the last 20 years.”
Staying connected to the ocean has always been a priority. Emily is a certified diver and member of the California Channel Islands All 8 Club (designated for individuals who have set foot on all eight Channel Islands), a membership she shares with her father, former SBMM Board President Robert Duncan. Growing up, Emily’s family had a boat at Santa Barbara Harbor, and she would help her father work on the boat on Saturday mornings before getting lunch at Sushi GoGo. Sometimes, they would take the boat out for a little cruise to Goleta before heading back home for the day. “I was three-days old the first time I was on a boat, and have been connected to the water ever since,” said Emily. “I spent a lot of time as a kid at the harbor either at the museum or down on the boat in Marina One.”
Being on staff has given Emily an even greater perspective on SBMM’s presence and local importance, as well as a better understanding of the diverse programs and opportunities provided in the community. “As a staff member, it is pretty great to see the museum in action,” said Emily. “SBMM has come to life in the community it has created. The museum has individuals who are connected to the Channel Islands, individuals who are connected to coastal history and commercial diving, to name a few. It started as such a small organization and now it is amazing to see how much it has grown.”
Emily has seen the museum’s upward trajectory for more than two decades and is excited to see what will come in the future. “Staying involved and supporting the museum is the ultimate form of trust,” said Emily. “We are all engaged with the organization because we want it to continue in perpetuity. When you support the museum, you help to create the next generation of individuals working to preserve maritime history.”