December 2025
Dear Friends, Members, and Partners,
As I look back on this remarkable first year at the Maritime Museum of San Diego, I’m filled with immense gratitude and pride. With your support, we have accomplished so much in a short time. We have strengthened our connection to the community, welcoming new partnerships that bring fresh energy to our mission of preserving and sharing maritime skills and history. Weve expanded our educational reach in blue economy and technology, introducing students to new pathways to sustainable maritime industries and providing site testing access for innovators in ocean sustainability. We are making transformative institutional changes to ensure a healthy and resilient financial future for the museum and our historic fleet. We are connecting the past, present and future in a way only maritime museums can.
There were countless moments that remind me why this work matters so much, but two recent ones stand out. The first was last weekend’s on-the-water blue technology demonstration with emerging innovators. We invited a youth group from the Salvation Army to attend, and when I asked them, “Do you like robotics?” one young girl said with a wide, happy smile, “I do now!” In that instant, history, innovation, and her possible future passion connected.
The second was arriving into port from San Francisco aboard the magnificent tall ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl. As we emerged from thick fog, we were greeted by the Californian, PCF 816 Swift, and Pilot escorting us into the bay. Many aboard shared that it was the most powerful and impressive welcome they had received on their global voyage. It was a breathtaking reminder of the pride and spirit of this fleet, this port, our heritage, and this community.
We have worked hard this year to beautify our site and create a more welcoming and vibrant waterfront presence by removing metal fencing, tackling general deferred maintenance, and adding greenery to our entrances.
I am also thrilled to share that we are preparing to sail the Star of India in 2027 in celebration of the 100th anniversary of her arrival in San Diego—a once-in-a-century moment for our Museum and for our region.
Finally, I extend my deepest thanks to Board Chair Ken Stipanov for his extraordinary leadership, and I am honored to announce Manish Parikh as our new Board Chair and John Laun as Vice Chair for 2026. We are also thrilled to welcome Kenny Alameda and Michael Potiker as new members of the Board of Directors.
Thank you for believing in the Maritime Museum of San Diego. Your support, through attendance, membership, volunteering, donations, partnership, and advocacy, ensures that maritime history is not only preserved, but brought to life every day for generations to come. Your end-of-year donation is essential for our continued success in the coming year, and we are counting on your investment as we forge a strong path towards a magnificent horizon.
With gratitude,
