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New Executive Director Announcement

As we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of its founding, the Wilson Museum in Castine announces the appointment of Julia C. Gray as its incoming Executive Director, effective September 11, 2021.

The Executive Director, in partnership with the Board of Trustees and the Staff, provides leadership for the vision and direction of the Museum by maintaining its traditions while building for the future. As the Museum’s chief administrator, she will oversee the operation of staffing, programs, activities, resources and facilities; as well as providing institutional representation to public and professional communities.

During the Wilson Museum's Open House on Saturday, July 3, Board Trustee Temple Blackwood announced the appointment of Julia C. Gray as its incoming Executive Director. This appointment is the result of a national search, conducted by a committee of Museum Trustees, which vetted over 50 applications. From a field of highly qualified candidates, Gray was one of three finalists who participated in an intensive campus visit. All involved, including Museum Staff, Trustees and community supporters were overwhelmingly enthusiastic in their evaluations, resulting in Board approval of the appointment.

Gray has accepted the Museum's charge to further its mission to “...stimulate exploration of the natural history and cultures of the Penobscot Bay region and the world” by using its eclectic collections to provide programs in local history, traditional technologies, world cultures, and prehistory for multi-generational audiences. Many of its exhibits emphasize the relationship of individuals and families to collections and research. Visitors are always received as guests with hospitality expressed through courteous docents.

In addition to embracing these traditions, the incoming Executive Director will maintain the Museum's strong connection to the local community, and build new relationships with similar organizations and a broader regional community of stakeholders.

Gray is the founder and principal of Riverside Museum Solutions, LLC. Since 2018 it has provided collaborative and community-based solutions for museum collections, exhibits, and interpretation. Previously held positions include Interim Director, Abbe Museum (2019); Director of Collections and Research, Abbe Museum (2000-17); Research Assistant, Archaeological Research Consultants, Inc. (1991-2000); and Curatorial Assistant, Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum (1996).

A trained archaeologist, she holds a BA in Anthropology from Bowdoin College and an MA in Anthropology from the University of Arkansas.

Throughout her professional life she has maintained a strong connection to the fields of Anthropology and Museum Studies through an impressive record of participation and presentation at state and regional conferences.

Building on the legacy of its founding family,
the Wilson Museum uses its diverse collections
and resources to provide learning experiences
to stimulate exploration of the history and cultures
of the Penobscot Bay region and world.

Be prepared for a tour through time and cultures as you enter the Wilson Museum Campus, a series of buildings begun in 1921 by geologist Dr. John Howard Wilson to house collections gathered around the world and close to home. Here you will see rocks and fossils from the earliest geologic times and will follow humankind's advances in tool-making from pre-history through Castine's rich local history. You can wend your way across continents and among indigenous cultures through displays from Africa, the Americas and Bali, to name just a few.

In the John Perkins House, step back in time to colonial Castine to meet the Perkins family and learn about the generations who lived here. A tour of this home is guided by a knowledgeable docent.

A step back in time would not be complete without a visit to the campus hub where craftsmen demonstrate the tools and techniques of their trades, including a woodturner and a blacksmith. Once you've been to The Village Blacksmith and seen what fire can create, take a peek into the Pump House Display to learn about Castine's early firefighting history. Push the button and watch in wonder as the gears and levers make the alarm bell ring!

There is so much to see here.  One visit is never enough and doesn’t have to be. Throughout the year look for special events and their details on the Museum’s Calendar of Events. Sign up for our e-newsletter HERE and follow us on .

Wilson Museum Institutional Information

Want to learn more Castine history? Download the Castine Walking Tour App by clicking on the "Take the Tour" image.

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