Bath, Maine – Maine Maritime Museum has named Anne Witty Chief Curator, replacing Senior Curator Nathan Lipfert, who will be retiring in April 2017, after spending more than four decades at the museum. Witty began her new role January 17, 2017, enabling a substantial transition period prior to Lipfert’s spring departure. Witty is enthusiastic about returning to Maine Maritime Museum, having previously served as curator from 2000 to 2003.

“As a curator, I am an enthusiastic advocate for collections — and also a storyteller. I look forward to sharing the surprising and diverse stories contained in the museum’s maritime collections,” she said.

Witty brings to the museum a deep understanding of maritime culture and extensive experience in all aspects of museum management.  Since 2004, Witty has served as assistant curator of the Peary-MacMillan Museum at Bowdoin College. She has prior experience at Mystic Seaport, Columbia River Maritime Museum, and Winterthur Museum, and has held consulting positions, fellowships, and internships at museums across the U.S. and Europe.

Amy Lent, executive director of the museum said, “We are all enthusiastic about the new curatorial leadership that will build on everything that Nathan has done. He will be leaving an incredible legacy and Anne Witty was our first choice to take over the curatorial leadership after Nathan retires. She has a wealth of experience on a national level, but also understands this museum and our Maine maritime heritage very well. She brings the ideal balance of respect for the past and enthusiasm for the future.”

About Maine Maritime Museum                                                                          

Maine Maritime Museum is an independent, nonprofit institution dedicated to promoting an understanding and appreciation of Maine’s maritime heritage through gallery exhibits, an historic shipyard, educational programs, a research library, and narrated excursions along area waterways.  Call (207) 443-1316 or visit www.MaineMaritimeMuseum.org for more information. 243 Washington Street, Bath, Maine, 04530.