Charlestown Navy Yard, Charlestown, MA - March 8, 2010 -The USS Constitution Museum has new, proven leadership. The Trustees voted to appoint Anne Grimes Rand to the role of President. Anne has been with the Museum for 23 years, beginning as Curator and most recently serving as Executive Vice President. Her comprehensive knowledge of the Museum and standing among museum professionals as an innovative leader in the field, make Rand a natural choice for the role.
Rand succeeds Burt Logan, who led the organization from 1995 until November 2009. Logan left the USS Constitution Museum to become Executive Director and CEO of the Ohio Historical Society in Cleveland.
"Anne's deep knowledge of maritime history and her years of experience with the Museum as well as her stellar reputation made her the ideal choice for President," said James Stokes, Chairman of the Museum's Board of Trustees. "Anne's new position is a natural progression, and we're delighted to have her at the helm."
In her years at the Museum, Anne's emphasis has always been on providing a quality visitor experience for the more than 300,000 guests who come to the Museum each year. Her work focuses on creating engaging exhibits where families can have fun and learn as they explore history together. Most recently, she served as project director for the Museum's newest exhibition, All Hands on Deck, in which visitors learn about the War of 1812 through the words and experiences of those who served on board in a pivotal time that helped define our nation. Under Anne's leadership, members of the Museum's exhibit and education departments are now sharing the results of years of research exploring family learning in a history museum setting with museum professionals across the country. This effort is supported by the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and offered free of charge.
In her years at the Museum, Anne has become a passionate ambassador for both the informal learning that takes place in a museum setting, as well as the stories of the incomparable crew of USS CONSTITUTION. "The Museum serves as the memory and educational voice for CONSTITUTION, with wonderful collections that illuminate the lives of ordinary men in extraordinary times. Our innovative, participatory exhibits engage all ages in the stories of sailors 200 years ago, allowing guests today to compare their lives to sailors who worked on "Old Ironsides" during the War of 1812. Inviting families to explore history together provides opportunities for conversations about both the past and present, making history relevant to our lives today. This Museum has the power to change how people think about history, about museums and about themselves."
In addition to her work at the Museum, Anne has held many other leadership roles within the community over the years. Rand has served on the boards of both the North American Society of Oceanic History (1996-2002) and the Williams-Mystic Alumni Council (2000-2004). Both the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the National Endowment for the Humanities periodically call upon her expertise and request her assistance in reviewing proposals and projects. And for 10 years Anne served as Secretary of the Council of American Maritime Museums. In 1997 she had the privilege of being named Narrator aboard USS CONSTITUTION for the bicentennial sail, as she sailed for the first time in 116 years. The same year Anne was honored with the Samuel Eliot Morison Award for Distinguished Service.
A love of sailing and the sea led to a special major focusing on Maritime New England as an undergraduate at Dartmouth College. A graduate degree in American Civilization from Brown University allowed Rand to continue her studies of our nation's maritime heritage. In her free time however, Anne prefers to be sailing herself instead of studying life at sea. Anne resides in Ipswich, MA with her husband, Geoff, and their daughter.
Timothy Cooper, Commanding Officer of USS Constitution enthusiastically welcomes Anne into the role as a partner in sharing the stories of Old Ironsides with our nation. "I am really excited and happy for Anne and the USS Constitution Museum. Anne has been a great friend to the ship and crew. We are all looking forward to continue to grow our already great relationship as she officially takes the helm of the USS Constitution Museum."
About the USS Constitution Museum
Opened in 1976, the USS Constitution Museum serves as the memory and educational voice of Old Ironsides. Family-friendly, hands-on exhibits share the stories of USS Constitution and those who shaped her history. The Museum, located adjacent to USS Constitution in the historic Charlestown Navy Yard, is open seven days a week,10 am - 5 pm during the winter months. There is no charge for admission, but donations are encouraged. Go to www.ussconstitutionmuseum.org for help in planning your visit or call 617-426-1812.
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