Herreshoff Marine Museum prepares for fifth decade

by Jonathan Goff on 4 Nov 2010 In 1971, A. Sidney DeWolf and Rebecca Chase Herreshoff founded the Herreshoff Marine Museum in Bristol and progressed to establish in 1977 exhibits on Burnside Street, on the site of the former Herreshoff Manufacturing Company, where hundreds of elegant and record-setting yachts were built, including eight consecutive defenders of the America’s Cup. In the forty years since then, their son, Halsey C. Herreshoff, has been a driving force behind the growth of this very special Museum.

As the Museum enters its fifth decade, and following his induction into the America’s Cup Hall of Fame in September, Mr. Herreshoff has decided to resign as President at the Museum. Although stepping back from daily operations, he will continue to work for the advancement of the Museum and remain a member of the Board of Directors through the end of his term.

'It is a great satisfaction to the Herreshoff family that the Herreshoff Marine Museum will continue to perpetuate the great tradition of design and construction of the worlds finest yachts. For me it has been a pleasure and considerable satisfaction to have had a role in the development of the Herreshoff Marine Museum/America’s Cup Hall of Fame as an enduring institution in the mosaic of such outstanding Bristol organizations. While no longer involved daily with the Museum I shall help in all ways possible and be the museum’s greatest cheerleader', said Halsey C. Herreshoff.

One of America’s outstanding sailors, Halsey Herreshoff is the grandson of the legendary 'Wizard of Bristol', Nathanael Greene Herreshoff, and is himself a naval architect and marine engineer. Along with the late Edward duMoulin, he founded the America’s Cup Hall of Fame in 1992, an additional attraction at the Herreshoff Marine Museum. Through his sailing prowess and the Hall of Fame, Halsey Herreshoff has made friends around the globe, adding considerably to the prestige of Bristol. Halsey is perhaps best known for his career as an America’s Cup sailor, having served on many cup defenders of the 12 Meter Era, first as bowman on Columbia in 1958 and concluding as navigator on Liberty in 1983.

Outgoing Board Chairman David Burnham stated, 'It has been a great privilege for me to have sailed with Halsey both in the United States and in Europe and to have worked especially closely with this brilliant, versatile man in recent months. We are indebted to Halsey for nurturing the Museum over the years and making it one of Bristol’s leading attractions.'

Incoming Board Chairman David Ford added, 'I am very excited about the future of the Museum and working to build upon the great foundation that Halsey has laid.'

www.herreshoff.org