The Noble Maritime Collection has announced the appointment of two community leaders to the museum’s Board of Trustees—Elizabeth Bennett and Christine Johnson.

Ms. Bennett has a wealth of non-profit management experience, including fundraising, audience building, equity, and programmatic collaboration. She previously worked as Director of Program Services at the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and as Executive Director of Staten Island Arts, and is currently a journalist with The Vineyard Gazette of Martha’s Vineyard and a grant writer.

Ms. Johnson has had an esteemed career in service to the public, including as a social worker and a victim assistance counselor, as well as a membership director at the YMCA. She is perhaps most widely known for her service as Chief-of-Staff to former New York City District 49 Council Member Debi Rose from 2010 to 2022.

Ms. Bennett and Ms. Johnson will bring new energy and ideas to the museum as its leadership continuously seeks to create enriching programming for the public in a welcoming and inclusive space.

Their addition to the museum’s leadership is part of an ongoing process that began with the creation of a Strategic Plan in 2021 with funding from the New York Community Trust and a Development Plan in 2022 with funding from the Staten Island Foundation.

“We are grateful to Chris and Elizabeth for their willingness to continue to serve the public through the work we do at the Noble Maritime Collection. They will lead the board development committee and will focus on strengthening museum relationships with public and private funders,” said Board Chair Steve Kalil, President of Caddell Dry Dock and Repair Company.

Ciro Galeno, Jr., the museum’s executive director added, “Chris and Elizabeth have been champions of the Noble Maritime Collection for many years in their previous roles, and their passion, enthusiasm, and work ethic made them the ideal candidates to join the Board of Trustees.”

The Noble Maritime Collection, located in a former sailors’ dormitory at Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Building D, Staten Island, is open year round, Thursday through Sunday from 12 until 5 PM.

The new exhibition Andrea Doria: Rescue at Sea, featuring objects recovered from the wreck of the famous Italian ocean liner, is on view through June 2023.

Admission is by donation.