Julia Gray, Executive Director

Julia Gray has worked in museums for more than 20 years, becoming the Wilson Museum’s executive director in September 2021. Her background in archaeology and anthropology drew her initially into roles in collections and exhibits at the Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum and the Abbe Museum. After leaving the Abbe Museum in 2017, she ran her own consulting business working with museums, land trusts, and other organizations across Maine. She is a graduate of Bowdoin College and the University of Arkansas. Julia lives in Orland with her husband and two dogs.

Contact: director@wilsonmuseum.org

Abby Dunham, Curator & Collections Manager

Abby Dunham grew up in Castine, visiting the Wilson Museum often. She first volunteered for the Museum in the summer of 2008 after her freshman year at Dartmouth College, where she would go on to major in anthropology. She has worked for the museum in a variety of roles and is now the Curator and Collections Manager. Abby has served on the board of Maine Archives and Museums (MAM), with roles including Newsletter Editor and 2023 Annual Conference Co-Chair.

Contact: collections@wilsonmuseum.org

Haley Blake, Manager of Community Engagement

Haley Blake was first drawn to Castine as a high school student looking at potential colleges. Having experienced a sense of belonging as soon as she stepped on campus, she applied to Maine Maritime Academy’s International Business and Logistics program. While a student, she grew her connections in-town through MMA’s Adam School Mentors program where she visited her paired mentee at the town’s elementary school. After graduation, she sought employment in Maine and eventually returned to the Castine area to work at the museum. She enjoys spending time with her family, being by the water, reading, and doing puzzles.

Contact: education@wilsonmuseum.org

Valerie Hoffman, Manager of Museum Learning and Administration

Valerie is a New York native who moved to Maine in 2019. She graduated from Paul Smith’s College with a double major in Natural Resource Sustainability and Forest Technology.  In her free time, she competes in timber sports, finds adventures, and trains dogs.

Contact: education@wilsonmuseum.org

Micah Sanders, Facilities Manager

Micah was born and raised in Utah. In 2020 he moved to Maine and completed a farm apprenticeship through the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association. He went on to train as a carpenter and work as the head of maintenance at the Oakland House in Brooksville. He now lives in Blue Hill on his small homestead. He enjoys reading, watching movies, painting, and printmaking.

Contact: info@wilsonmuseum.org

Patricia L. Hutchins, Executive Director Emeritus

Patty Hutchins retired as executive director in September 2021, after five decades at the Wilson Museum. She began volunteering at the museum in the early 1970s, and became a full-time employee in 1985, assisting then-director Ellenore Wilson Doudiet. With Ellenore’s passing in 2004, Patty stepped into the role of Executive Director, leading the transition from a family-directed organization to governance by a Board of Trustees. During her tenure, the museum significantly improved the care and stewardship of collections, developed new exhibits and programs, and expanded the museum campus. Her legacy is being honored through the establishment of the Patricia L. Hutchins Endowed Intern Fund.