Candee Pevahouse
Owen Sidney Lanier (right), the new executive director of the Steamboat Era Museum in Irvington, joins board president Keith Kehlbeck aboard the original 1894 Potomac Pilothouse, one of the last surviving artifacts of its kind.
The board of directors of the Steamboat Era Museum in Irvington recently announced the appointment of Owen Sidney Lanier as its new Executive Director. Lanier brings experience in building partnerships, social/digital media and community engagement, along with a deep passion for preserving and promoting history. He has worked in a wide variety of non-profit and tourism roles from the American Battlefield Trust and York County, Virginia, to the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown.
“Owen’s understanding of the role of museums in community life and his ability to connect with audiences of all ages make him an exceptional fit for the Steamboat Era Museum," said President Keith Kehlbeck. “As a youth mentor, a videographer, an exhibit planner and a historical interpreter, he creates truly compelling stories of the local communities he champions. We are excited for him to help lead the organization as we continue to grow and serve the community.”
As the Steamboat Era Museum enters its 28th year, youth programming and public outreach will be top priorities for Lanier, building on the group’s efforts to educate and inspire young people and families through Friday morning activities, interactive guided tours and steam engine workshops. Part of the Chesapeake Gateways Network, the museum draws visitors into the regional history of the Chesapeake Bay, where steamboats connected isolated communities, bolstered local economies and shaped cultural identity between 1813 and 1962.
On January 10, the Steamboat Era Museum will launch its 2026 season by hosting the first of its monthly Second Saturday Speaker Series. This offering, to take place at the Museum at 2pm, will be a showing of the film “Steamboats on the Chesapeake” produced by Mark Huffman, following several recent sold-out screenings at the Compass Entertainment Center. The film will also be shown at Compass on January 9 and 17.
This winter, Lanier will be working with the board and volunteers to prepare for its spring opening, enhancing the curated exhibits, models, paintings, artifacts and recent discoveries that bring the steamboat era to life. The Museum opens May 1 with a new exhibit titled “Amusements by the Bay,” which reveals the circuit of wharf-side resorts and amusement parks that drew crowds with pavilions, bathing beaches, hotels, rides and attractions. The Steamboat Era Museum (https://steamboateramuseum.org/) is located at 156 King Carter Drive in Irvington.
Lanier previously served as Youth Leadership Team Coordinator for the American Battlefield Trust, which since 1987 has preserved land in 25 states at more than 160 battlefields of the American Revolutionary War, the War of 1812 and the American Civil War. Lanier, himself a graduate of the Youth Leadership Team program, rose to oversee it, mentoring new recruits and leading presentations to Trust board members, staff and donors.
Known in museum circles for his natural delivery, creativity, adherence to goals and love of local history, Lanier brings experience in working with local businesses to promote history and tourism. He has served York County as tourism communications coordinator. For the City of Newport News, Lanier shot and produced a number of videos to promote the city’s historic resources and engage visitors. He also brings experience in grant writing, research, content management, accounting and policy development.
“I am thrilled to join this strong local museum and am eager to advance its mission and reach in the region,” said Lanier. “I can’t wait to highlight the communities I had the benefit of being raised in; the history in our backyards created the towns and people we all know and appreciate.” Lanier, who grew up in Gloucester “running through the woods and tracking down historical mysteries,” received a bachelor’s in business and organizational management from Gettysburg College.
“I encourage community members with thoughts and questions to reach out to me at director@steamboateramuseum.org.”
