Independence Seaport Moves On

Independence Seaport has named Lori Dillard Rech as their new President.She is currently the Executive Director of the Betsy Ross House. Rech brings sixteen years of experience as an administrator and educator in history museums. Prior to her tenure at the Betsy Ross House, she was Director of Education and Public Programs for the National Museum of American Jewish History. Earlier roles include Education Director at Fort Mifflin on the Delaware, and Education Coordinator at Brandywine Battlefield. Ms. Dillard Rech is an avid competitive sailor and currently
serves as Vice Commodore (2002-2007) of Liberty Sailing Club. She has a B.A. degree in art history from the University of Florida and an M.A. in museum studies from Syracuse University, with a specialization in education.

She starts work Sept 5.

Interestingly enough the press release also notes that Independence has been raising a great deal of money during these recent troubled times:

Since May 2006, the Museum's invested funds have grown from about $7 million to $14 million, ade possible by prudent management of the investments, the sale of assets that were unrelated to its core educational mission, and an anonymous $1 million gift. Since December 2006, nine new members joined the Board. The philanthropic community returned to the Museum in 2006, moreover, when
total public and private funding increased by 188 percent, from $1.2 million in 2005 to $3.5 million.

Press Release