In honor of Black History Month, which begins on February 1, the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (SBMM) will present two showings of “Keeping the Light: The Story of the Bravery, Heroism and Courage of African American Lighthouse Keepers and Lifesaving Service” as told by Harriet Tubman, portrayed by actor, director, and producer Christine Dixon, on Wednesday, February 1, 2023. The first performance from 3:30-5:30 pm is designed for children, and the second performance from 7:00-9:00 pm is for adults. Both shows will tell the stories of African American lighthouse keepers as well as explore Tubman’s own history and that of Captain Richard Etheridge, who became the first African American to command a United States Life Saving station in 1880. Following each performance there will be additional time for questions. Cost is $35 for museum members, and $50 for members of the public. Tickets at: https://sbmm.org/santa-barbara-event/. Become a member at https://sbmm.org.

About Chris Dixon
Chris Dixon is an award-winning actress best known for portraying Tubman in the short film Era and in one-woman dramatic performances. For the last ten years, Dixon has been booking, directing, and portraying Harriet Tubman in what was supposed to be a four-contract performance of the one-woman show “Harriet Tubman Herself.” The original concept for the show was developed by Hollywood book and theater critic Morna Murphy Martell, the songs were composed by Ralph Martell, and the original costume was created by the late designer and hair stylist Keith Benedict. That initial limited run has continued for over ten years and more than 690 performances across 200 cities, 28 states, two countries, and one national park, garnering her numerous awards along the way. Dixon’s shows have had her portraying Tubman at various stages in her life and include her singing many well-known spirituals associated with the Underground Railroad.

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