(SANTA BARBARA, CA)—Jarrell C. Jackman, Executive Director for the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation (SBTHP) announced his plans to retire as Executive Director effective December 31, 2015.   He has been with the Trust since 1981 and has held the position of Executive Director for the past 28 years.

 

Jackman has agreed to remain on staff as a Research Historian until June 30, 2016 to complete projects related to the history of El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park. 

 

The list of his and the Trust's accomplishments during those years is long and meaningful.  They include: 

• Acquisition of Presidio neighborhood properties in an effort to protect the footprint of the original Royal Presidio de Santa Barbara.

• Completion of the General Plan for El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park

• Raised capital funds to complete historic archeological investigation, reconstruction and on-going preservation and maintenance of historic buildings at the Royal Presidio de Santa Barbara, Casa de la Guerra and Jimmy’s Oriental Gardens. 

• Expanded visitor activities and programs including Early California Days, Founding Day, Presidio Pastimes, Asian-American Neighborhood Festival, CASA Day Camp, Dia de los Muertos, Una Noche de las Posadas, lectures, art exhibits and many other popular events throughout the year. 

 

"The Presidio Project was the primary interest of Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation Founder Pearl Chase until her dying day”, SBTHP Executive Director Jarrell Jackman said.  “She has always been my number one inspiration, and during my time at SBTHP, we have rebuilt almost a third of the Presidio, not to mention restoring numerous other buildings in the state park, completely restoring the Casa de la Guerra adobe mansion, and overseeing a conservation easement at the historic El Paseo complex.  I think Miss Chase would also be pleased that SBTHP has taken the lead in developing a new state historic park at the Santa Inés Mission Mills property in Solvang.  I am now handing off the ball to the next generation, and I say to Miss Chase:  'It has been a great pleasure to help carry out your vision and that of the founders and early volunteers of SBTHP.  A lot has been accomplished, but rest assured there is more Presidio yet to come."

 

“We are so grateful for his years of service to the Trust.  Dr. Jackman embodied the visionary ambitions of Pearl Chase, who founded the Trust in 1963”, SBTHP President Terease Chin said.  “No doubt, she would be very proud to see all that has been accomplished under his long tenure.  We look forward to celebrating his achievements at the annual meeting in January 2016”.

 

The SBTHP Board of Directors plans to conduct an international search for a new Executive Director, effective immediately.