“One of the greatest rewards of being the director of a museum like ours is being part of the steady accomplishments that have been made possible over the years by all the people associated with the institution.”     Dennis M. Power     Director’s Message     Annual Report 1990

Dr. Dennis M. Power was the Museum’s Executive Director for 21 years from 1972 to 1994. During Dr. Power’s tenure he guided a number of milestone changes that would prepare Santa Barbara’s first museum to be more than a museum – to become an environmental resource center for the community and beyond. 

The first milestone was in 1972, when Dr. Power ushered in the computer age to the Museum when he installed a computer in his office with a grant from the National Science Foundation. Over the years, the changes Dr. Power implemented went beyond a computer. He cultivated and grew the administrative and curatorial staff, developed a fundraising campaign, and directed the construction of the former Sea Center, current Collections & Research Building, and current Cartwright Hall of Plants and Insects.