Hank Helm has been surrounded by history for years.

Now, he’s stepping into it.

Officials with the Bainbridge Island Historical Museum have announced that Helm will retire later this year from his post as executive director of the museum.

His departure is effective March 31.

“Hank has served the museum with dedication and loyalty for more than a decade,” said Joan Walters, president of the museum’s board.

“The entire community appreciates and thanks him for his leadership and his connections with island history and leaders in our community,” Walters added. “He has seen the museum through growing times, built on its prior successes, and has positioned the museum well for the coming years.”

“While his depth of knowledge on local history will be missed, the board is confident that it will find the leadership that the museum and our island community seek to both honor its past and prepare for its growth in the future,” she added. “On behalf of the board of the museum, we thank Hank and offer him our best wishes.

The museum’s board will begin the search for a new executive director later this month. Starting Jan. 18, applications will be available on the museum’s website at bainbridgehistory.org.

A community celebration to honor Helm’s service to the museum is being planned.