Bainbridge Historical Museum curator Lorraine Scott resigning

Published 10:25 am Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Bainbridge Historical Museum curator Lorraine Scott, who has helped guide the museum through some of its own historic moments, has announced her resignation.

Scott has served as curator at Historical Museum since 2004. Her tenure officially ends next week.

Scott said family obligations are forcing her to reduce her professional workload. She will continue to work as a part-time collections manager at the Naval Undersea Museum.

Bainbridge Historical Society Executive Director Hank Helm said Scott’s knowledge and dedication made her an excellent curator.

“It’s a big loss for the museum,” Helms said.

Scott completed a master’s degree in public history and museum studies at Colorado State University in 2000, and began volunteering at the Historical Museum in 2002.

She was made curator at a time when the Historical Museum was on the move.

In February of 2004 the museum building was trucked from Strawberry Hill Park to its current location on Ericksen Avenue.

“I was really thrown in to deal with the move and the collection, which was an interesting challenge,” Scott said.

Just months after the move, the museum secured grants to overhaul its exhibits and unveiled the “Voyage Through Bainbridge History” exhibit.

In 2008 the museum’s “An Island Story” exhibit was honored with a MUSE award from the American Association of Museums for its use of technology, beating out much larger exhibitions.

Scott, who grew up on Bainbridge, said working at the Historical Museum has been a rare opportunity to practice her trade in her hometown.

“I feel pretty lucky,” she said. “It’s pretty unique.”

Scott said she plans to stay on Bainbridge and will stay involved with the museum as a member.

Helm said the Bainbridge Historical Society has begun its search for Scott’s successor.