Museum in Bath is first New England organization named a Preserve America Steward.
Maine Maritime Museum was honored recently when Mrs. Michelle Obama, First Lady of the United States, designated it as one of the nation’s newest Preserve America Stewards.
“Preserve America Stewards are committed to preserving America’s diverse physical and cultural heritage, and their work demonstrates how individuals who care deeply about serving their country and their communities can make a difference,” Mrs. Obama said. “I thank and commend the volunteers of Maine Maritime Museum for protecting our nation’s historic treasures, both for your fellow citizens as well as visitors from near and far. You set a wonderful example for our young people, who are the future stewards of our heritage, while also improving the quality of life and economic vitality of our nation.”
PHOTO: Michelle Obama, Vogue Cover date unknown
Since the program’s inception in 2008, only 13 organizations nationwide have received the designation. Maine Maritime Museum is the first organization in New England to be named a Preserve America Steward.
Amy Lent, executive director of Maine Maritime Museum, received a letter dated February 3, 2010, from First Lady Obama addressed to the Museum’s volunteers, informing them of the honor they had earned. The museum also will receive a certificate of designation signed by Mrs. Obama announcing that Maine Maritime Museum is now a Preserve America Steward.
“This designation recognizes the significant impact our volunteers have on the preservation and interpretation of the nationally significant Percy & Small shipyard site where the museum is located,” Lent said. “Their personal investment of time and talent is a priceless gift to generations of Americans…past, present and future….who worked here or who visit this special place.”
The museum, located in Bath adjacent to Bath Iron Works, has a pool of more than 200 active volunteers who perform a variety of activities, such as tour guide, curatorial and research work, boat building instruction, grounds maintenance, guest relations, and much more.
Designation as a Preserve America Steward provides national recognition for programs that successfully use volunteers to help care for our historic and cultural heritage. Benefits include use of the Preserve America logo on educational and promotional materials and listing in a web-based directory that showcases Maine Maritime Museum’s volunteer efforts to care for its important historic resources for the benefit of present and future generations.
Preserve America
The Preserve America program became an authorized part of the national historic preservation program when President Barack Obama signed the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 on March 30, 2009. The program is a federal effort to encourage and support community efforts to preserve and enjoy America’s priceless cultural and natural heritage. The goals of the initiative include a greater shared knowledge about the nation’s past; strengthened regional identities and local pride; increased local participation in preserving the country’s cultural and natural heritage assets; and support for the economic vitality of our communities. The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) administers Preserve America programs with the Department of the Interior, in cooperation with 10 other federal agencies.
For more information visit www.achp.gov and www.preserveamerica.gov.
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