A letter from the director on Giving Tuesday
Dear friends,
This year, the Noble Maritime Collection’s home, Building D, is 180 years old, and the museum itself is 35. The current generation of leadership takes seriously the responsibility of caring for this National Historic Landmark, maintaining the meticulous work of the volunteer Noble Crew who restored it, and interpreting its history. We have limited resources, but this is a labor of love for all of us—the staff, the board, and our volunteers. We treat this museum like it’s our home—and indeed it was a home for sailors for many years—and so we always want everyone to feel welcome here.
The objects in the collection and this building itself are important, but only so because they are links to people from the past, and they are only relevant when they are being appreciated by people in the present. John A. Noble believed in access to art for all, hence why he chose printmaking as his preferred medium. He used his art to preserve history, particularly through his depictions of the last days of the Age of Sail, and overall he wanted to open people’s eyes to the working waterfront. Inspired by that, we too value historic preservation, particularly that of Noble’s houseboat, Building D, and Robbins Reef Lighthouse. But more so, as it concerns the people we serve, we value knowledge gathered and shared; being inclusive of the infinite and beautiful differences in our community, including diverse viewpoints; and perhaps most simply, but most profoundly, being kind in all of our interactions.
We are planning new exhibitions by guest curators, lectures by special presenters, and innovative programs such as La Capitana Dice, an education program in Spanish for English Language Learners in a local elementary school. And again, perhaps most simply but most proudly, in a stressful world, we look to ensure that everyday visits to the Noble are peaceful respites where one can enjoy the beauty of the past and appreciate how important the maritime industry was and is to our community.
Today is Giving Tuesday, a global initiative to support non-profits. If you believe in the work we are doing and are in a position to give, we would be very grateful.
To make a gift in any amount, please click here.
Thank you, and we look forward to welcoming you to the museum this holiday season!
Warm regards,
Ciro Galeno, Jr.
Executive Director
PS - We hope to welcome you at our annual holiday fair, Culture Shop, this Saturday, December 4 from 11 AM to 4 PM. Click here for more information.