Organization: Nantucket Historical Association (NHA)
Title: Executive Director
Reports to: Board Chair, Kelly Williams
Location: Nantucket, MA
To apply: Please send resume and cover letter to NHAED@pbrsearch.com

The Nantucket Historical Association seeks an experienced, visionary, entrepreneurial executive director to lead the organization into a vibrant, dynamic, and sustainable future.

Background: The Nantucket Historical Association (NHA) tells inspiring stories of Nantucket through its collections, programs, and properties. Over the past twenty years, the organization has gone through an extraordinary transformation, first with the building of the new museum and renovation of administrative offices and more recently with the creation of a wide array of public and educational programs. With a budget of $4M, a professional staff of 30, AAM accreditation, and a stellar national reputation, the NHA is considered the premier nonprofit organization on the island of Nantucket. Visited by more than 54,000 people annually, the NHA is comprised of the famous Whaling Museum, which displays permanent and changing exhibitions; a research library; an extensive collection of objects; fourteen historic properties, including the oldest house on Nantucket; and nearly year-round public and education programs enjoyed by local residents and tourists alike.

Position: Following on an exceptional period of growth that included the building of a new museum, the creation of dynamic public programming, and the completion of an ambitious capital campaign, the NHA seeks an executive director to work closely with the board, staff, and community to define and implement plans for the organization’s future. The ED will serve as the primary face and voice of the NHA, cultivating partnerships and funder relationships with nonprofit and business leaders and year-round and summer residents. S/he will provide leadership and management to the staff, ensuring that people are working together to serve the overarching mission of the organization and that exhibits, programs, and the interpretation of physical properties enhance and amplify one another. In addition, s/he will bring rigorous business discipline to the organization, ensuring that the NHA maintains and builds upon its robust fiscal health. Finally, the ED will be a creative force aware of best practices and innovations in the field of museums and will draw on that knowledge to ensure that NHA remains a forward-thinking and acting organization.

Click here for complete job posting.

Registration begins this evening (5:00-6:00pm) for the CAMM Annual Conference with sessions starting tomorrow morning at 8:45am.  You can access the CAMM 2017 Program here.  Registration tonight is at the Park’s Visitors’ Center at the Argonaut Hotel. All tomorrow’s sessions are in the Argonaut Hotel in Golden Gate C Room (495 Jefferson Street, San Francisco, CA).

Thank you San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park and the San Francisco Maritime National Park Association for hosting the meeting this year.

Tag or follow along on social media at #CAMMConference.

Mystic Seaport announces Christopher Gasiorek has been named Vice President for Watercraft Preservation and Programs. He succeeds Dana Hewson, who will be retiring at the end of this month after 41 years at the Museum.

A graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) at Kings Point, Gasiorek is a professional mariner with more than 25 years of experience in a diversity of maritime positions. He holds an unlimited tonnage master’s license from the U.S. Coast Guard, and he has served on tugs, bulk carriers, research ships, training ships, and racing yachts. He has circumnavigated the world twice.

Gasiorek was the Director of Watercraft Operations and Training at the USMMA from 2007 to 2014, where he oversaw the operation of more than 100 vessels ranging from the 224-foot Kings Pointer to sailing dinghies. He was responsible for maintenance, cadet training, shoreside support, facilities improvements, and the command of cadet-crewed training voyages.

As a maritime educator, Gasiorek has served as classroom and underway instructor for numerous Safety at Sea Seminars, including training for NOAA’s shipboard officers and USCG-approved instruction in Bridge Resource Management, Leadership and Management, and Safety of Life at Sea. He is involved with Tall Ships America and is a past relief captain and mate of South Street Seaport’s 1893 schooner Lettie G. Howard. He currently serves on the board of the USMMA Sailing Foundation, where he has been intimately involved in their yacht donation program.

“Chris Gasiorek brings to the position demonstrated experience and expertise in strategic planning, budget planning for a multi-million dollar waterfront operation, personnel management, and close work with government and civilian stakeholders at all levels,” said Mystic Seaport President Steve White. “We believe his extensive maritime experience, proven leadership, and knowledge of sail education and waterfront management will serve the Museum well in the years ahead.”

Gasiorek is a resident of Mystic, CT. He will assume his duties in early June.

Article courtesy of Mystic Seaport.

Please check out the new listing of San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park’s Naval Architectural and Marine Engineering collections  on the CAMM Ship Plans Directory.

This directory is part of the Resources page on the CAMM website featuring resources from CAMM Member institutions.  CAMM members may add or update a collection by downloading the CAMM Ship Plans Survey and returning the completed survey to maritimemuseums@gmail.com

CAMM Members and Friends –

Please remember to register for this spring’s annual conference by the April 5th deadline.  The conference planning team at the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park and San Francisco Maritime National Park Association are putting together a fantastic event, including harbor and museum tours that will highlight the maritime landscape of our host city.  This includes an engaging three-day program of presentations and panels, as well as optional excursions to Point Reyes Lighthouse and the museum’s large artifact storage facility at San Leandro (please register in advance for optional trips).

Conference Details:  

Dates: Wednesday, April 19 – Friday, April 22, 2017

Hosts: San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, San Francisco, California

Lodging: Argonaut Hotel, Fisherman’s Wharf (see below).

Registration: Full 3-day registration is $195 (covers sessions, Friday box lunch, evening reception, and final dinner); the companion rate for the social events is $125. The one-day registration rate will be $110. To register, please complete the 2017 CAMM Conference Registration Form (It is recommended you download and save the form to your computer.  Once completed, follow form instructions for email or hard copy submission and payment).  

Registration Deadline is April 5, 2017.

Note on lodging: the conference hotel – the Argonaut Hotel, 495 Jefferson Street, San Francisco is located on Fisherman’s Wharf within walking distance of all the conference activities. The Argonaut is offering a special rate (the normal government rate) of $267 plus tax. At this late date, you will need to contact the hotel’s Sales Director, Mark at 800-790-1415 or email mbenefield-tuten@noblehousehotels.com to arrange the special conference rate.

This is a landmark moment.  

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released draft plans to designate two new sanctuaries at Mallows Bay-Potomac River and Wisconsin-Lake Michigan. The creation of these two sanctuaries would be the first new additions to America’s National Marine Sanctuary System in over 15 years.

Thank you to those of you who already made your voice heard. And thank you to those of you who are about to. 
Widespread and enthusiastic support makes these sanctuary designations possible. NOAA is only accepting comments on these plans until March 31st.  We need passionate citizens like you to speak up supporting each of these sanctuaries during this critical time.

How can you help?

1. Sign our letters of support that we will forward to NOAA telling them to designate these two new sanctuaries.
2. If you’ve already signed on yourself, forward this message or share it on social media to encourage your friends, family, and neighbors to sign the letter in support of protecting these special places.

Mallows Bay-Potomac River

Mallows Bay-Potomac River in Maryland intertwines our Nation’s maritime and natural history.  An offshoot of the Chesapeake Bay, the site is a gateway to our past, preserving nearly 200 known shipwrecks dating back to the Revolutionary War and includes the remains of the largest assemblage of World War I wooden steamships known as the famed “Ghost Fleet.” Over time, these abandoned ships became the foundation for a rich habitat for bald eagles, herons, and osprey, river otters and beaver, and numerous fish species that make the site a popular spot for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and birdwatching. Learn more about the proposed Mallows Bay-Potomac River sanctuary. Sign the letter to support the Mallows Bay-Potomac River sanctuary.

Wisconsin-Lake Michigan

Wisconsin-Lake Michigan in the Great Lakes will preserve and celebrate nationally significant shipwrecks; help conserve the largest freshwater system in the world; and provide exploration, research, and education partnerships. These shipwrecks and cultural artifacts are important pieces of American history. They serve as popular locations for exploring, diving, fishing, and heritage tourism contributing revenue to the local economy and advance education and partnerships to promote opportunities for the next generation. Learn more about the proposed Wisconsin-Lake Michigan sanctuary. Sign the letter to support the Wisconsin-Lake Michigan sanctuary.

Trump Budget Proposes Billions in Cuts, Including Elimination of IMLS, NEH and NEA

This morning, the Trump Administration formally proposed eliminating the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in its preliminary budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2018. These eliminations are part of a package that the administration projects would cut $54 billion in domestic spending in order to offset an identical increase in defense spending. Although a full budget proposal is not expected from the Administration until May, this document also appears to target museum-related programs at the Department of Education, the Department of State, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

“While these proposals from the Trump Administration were rumored for some time, they are no less alarming and disturbing to see released today. The Institute of Museum and Library Services, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the National Endowment for the Arts, and other programs play an essential role in helping museums make the arts and the humanities accessible to all Americans,” said Alliance President and CEO Laura Lott. “It is Congress-not the President-that will ultimately determine funding levels for these vital agencies. After a record-setting presence at Museums Advocacy Day 2017, the Alliance will continue to work with our allies to build on Congress’ tradition of strong bipartisan support for these agencies. We hope you will join our efforts today.”

Congressional Budget Process Kicks Off; Make Your Voice Heard

Over the next few weeks, members of Congress will begin to inform the House and Senate Appropriations Committees-which have jurisdiction over this area of federal spending-which programs they believe should receive funding in Fiscal Year 2018. Those committees will then strongly consider this information as they begin writing funding bills. As part of this process, U.S. Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY), Leonard Lance (R-NJ), Louise Slaughter (D-NY), and David McKinley (R-WV) as well as U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) are circulating letters of support for the IMLS Office of Museum Services.

Ask your members of Congress to sign on in support of the Office of Museum Services

While some legislators in both parties have already expressed skepticism about the budget proposal, this is the first time that a president has ever called for eliminating any of these agencies. Find out how much funding museums in your state get from IMLS, NEH, and NEA with our State Snapshots, and tell your legislators to support NEH and NEA today.

Want to do more to #SpeakUpforMuseums? Use our tools to make the case to Capitol Hill and in your community.

The National Maritime Historical Society (NMHS), in association with the Naval Historical Foundation (NHF), will host the National Maritime Awards Dinner on Tuesday, April 4, 2017, at the elegant, historic and iconic Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C.  Three prestigious individuals and organizations will be honored with Distinguished Service Awards for their significant contribution to America’s maritime heritage. 

This gala event will bring together those who love and serve the sea—including leaders of the military sea services, merchant marine and maritime industry; maritime authors and artists; oceanographers, sea explorers and scientists; competitive yachtsmen; philanthropists and government officials who have supported America’s maritime heritage; industrial and pleasure boat designers and builders; cruise lines operators; maritime educators; and maritime educational institutions and museums.

Funds raised support the education initiatives of both organizations.

ABOUT THE HONOREES:
The National Maritime Historical Society will present its Distinguished Service Award to Conservation  International, an American non-profit environmental organization, and its chairman and founder Peter A. Seligmann, on the occasion of CI’s 30th anniversary. Conservation International has had a tremendous impact on the health of the world’s oceans and shorelines. The organization spearheads the Ocean Health Index and the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition, comprising 60+ international organizations. The NMHS Distinguished Service Award will be presented by three-time Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times columnist Thomas L. Friedman.

The NMHS Distinguished Service Award will also be given to the National Geographic Society for its extraordinary achievements in chronicling mankind’s relationship with the water and educating tens of millions of readers and viewers about global maritime heritage. It has introduced generation after generation to maritime cultures around the globe and how they have contributed to our civilization. National Geographic magazine is currently published in 40 local-language editions around the world. Combined English and other language circulation is around 6.8 million monthly. Gary Knell, president and CEO of the National Geographic Society, will accept the award, which will be presented by internationally-recognized underwater explorer Dr. Robert Ballard, discoverer of the wreck of the Titanic.

The Naval Historical Foundation will present its Distinguished Service Award to Dr. J. Phillip London, executive chairman and chairman of the board of CACI International Inc. A graduate of the US Naval Academy, Dr. London served twelve years of active duty in the US Navy as a naval aviator, which included involvement in the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. He retired as a Navy Reserve Captain in 1983. Dr. London serves on the board of directors of NHF, the US Navy Memorial Foundation, the Friends of the National World War II Memorial and CAUSE (Comfort for America’s Uniformed Services). He is a strong advocate and long-time supporter of naval heritage. The NHF Distinguished Service Award will be presented to Dr. London by Admiral William J. Fallon, USN (Ret.), NHF’s chairman.

EVENT:
Gary Jobson, world-class competitive sailor, sailing television commentator and author, president of the National Sailing Hall of Fame, vice president of the International Sailing Federation, past president of US Sailing, and NMHS overseer, will be the Master of Ceremonies. Entertainment will be provided by the United States Coast Guard Academy Cadet Singers, directed by Dr. Robert Newton. A highlight of the presentation will be videos of the honorees, produced by award-winning producer/director Richardo Lopes of XXL Media.

ORGANIZATIONS:
The National Maritime Historical Society is a not-for-profit membership organization whose mission is to raise awareness of maritime heritage and the role seafaring has played in shaping civilization. The Society publishes Sea History, a quarterly maritime journal, and seeks to educate about extraordinary maritime accomplishments and their continuing relevance for prosperity and cultural vitality.  Initiatives encompass publications, educational programs, sail training and preservation of historic ships.

The Naval Historical Foundation is dedicated to preserving and honoring the legacy of those who came before us and serving to educate and inspire the generations who will follow. The Foundation supports the Navy’s history programs and its flagship museum in Washington, D.C.  In addition, NHF has a robust education outreach program, co-sponsoring publications and symposium on a wide variety of naval history topics.

The National Maritime Awards Dinner Committee consists of leadership from Tall Ships America, Historic Naval Ships Association, Smithsonian, Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, Independence Seaport Museum, The Mariners’ Museum, American Merchant Marine Museum, Sultana Education Projects, Historic Ships of Baltimore, National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, the Mariners’ Museum and the North Carolina Maritime Museum, among its many members.

Tickets to the dinner are $275 and sponsorship opportunities are available.   For more information or to make a reservation for this gala, visit the website at www.seahistory.org, call 914 737-7878 or email nmhs@seahistory.org.

The Challenge:
The Sea Services have a rich history. There is much to be learned from history on multiple fronts—people, battles, strategy, tactics, leadership, values, traditions. While the Office of the Chief Naval Operations (CNO) invites you to write on a naval historical topic of your choice, your essay should relate in some way to establishing and maintaining maritime superiority in today’s environment. The essay should provide your readers with a lesson learned from history that can be applied to today.

Prior Publication: Your essay must be original, not been previously published (online or in print) or being considered for publication elsewhere.

Prizes: (Two categories)

Professional Historians: U.S. and international professional historians (historian jobs including history museum curators, history teachers/professors, PhDs, published history authors.
$5,000 — First Prize
$2,500 — Second Prize
$1,500 — Third Prize

Rising Historians: U.S. Sea Service-wide active, reserve, retired, and civilians not included in above.
$5,000 — First Prize
$2,500 — Second Prize
$1,500 — Third Prize

Note: All winners will be recognized by CNO at the plenary session of the McMullen Naval History Symposium, U.S. Naval Academy, September 2017. First Prize Winners will be published in Naval History magazine and online with Naval History and Heritage Command. Other essays may be published in Naval History or Proceedings or online by the Naval History and Heritage Command.

Judging: This contest is judged in the blind. The Judging Committee will be comprised of senior staff from the U.S. Naval Institute, U.S. Naval Academy, Naval War College, Naval History and Heritage Command, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, and one distinguished naval historian from outside the Navy.

Submission Guidelines:

• Word count: 3,500 words maximum (excludes footnotes/endnotes/sources)
• Email essays to essay@usni.org by 30 June 2017
• Include CNO Naval History Essay Contest on subject line of email
• Include word count on title page of essay but do not include your name on title page or within essay
• Provide separate attachment to include biography and complete contact information— i.e., work, home, and cell phone numbers; and home mailing address
• For more details about this contest please visit www.usni.org/cnonhessaycontest

Memberships: All prize winners receive one-year memberships in the U.S. Naval Institute and one-year subscriptions to Naval History magazine.

About Naval Institute Essay Contests

Essay contests have been central to the work of the Naval Institute for more than 130 years. They directly fulfill the Institute’s educational mission by encouraging writing on issues of concern to the Sea Services. They provide thought-provoking articles that spur ongoing discussion of these same issues, not only in Naval Institute media, print and digital, but also in other leading defense and national security forums.