The Bronze Door Society is the oldest, member-managed affinity group of The Mariners’ Museum and Park. It is an active group of Museum patrons who gather regularly for lectures, behind-the-scenes tours, and social events in order to:
The society is named for the spectacular set of maritime-themed bronze doors that were commissioned by Museum co-founder, Archer M. Huntington, and created in the early 1930’s by renowned American sculptor, Herbert C. Adams, specifically for the Museum’s original entrance.
With a minimum gift of $1,000, you can enjoy membership in a unique and historic donor society.
Thursday, March 12 at 6 PM
More information coming soon
Sunday, April 26 from 2 – 4 PM
More information coming soon
Saturday, June 20 at 6 PM
Out of an abundance of caution, The Mariners’ Museum and The Bronze Door Society have decided to cancel the 2020 Mariners’ International Wine Classic. This was a tough call to make. The Mariners’ International Wine Classic is an incredibly important event for the Museum and it’s one of our favorite ways to celebrate the great work of The Bronze Door Society and its efforts to further conservation at the Museum. However, we need to prioritize the health and safety of our supporters, volunteers, staff, and everyone who helps put this great event on. We hope you’ll join us next year on June 19, 2021, as we resume this community favorite event!
Thursday, September 10 at 6 PM
More information coming soon
Friday, October 16, 2020
More information coming soon
Saturday, December 5, 2020
More information coming soon
Friday, October 18, 2019
Projects Funded:
Other Project Proposals:
Saturday, June 15, 2019
The Bronze Door Society presented The Mariners’ International Wine Classic annual fundraiser to support the conservation of the Museum’s collection. This upscale wine tasting event was held in the beautiful Main Lobby of the Museum, and featured over 80 international and domestic wines. Guests enjoyed unlimited wine tastings, gourmet food pairings, and live music by the Jae Sinnett Trio.
Friday, October 19, 2018
Projects funded:
Other Project Proposals:
Saturday, June 16, 2018
The Bronze Door Society presented The Mariners’ International Wine Classic annual fundraiser to support the conservation of the Museum’s collection. This upscale wine tasting event was held in the beautiful Main Lobby of the Museum, and featured over 80 international and domestic wines. Guests enjoyed unlimited wine tastings, gourmet food pairings, and live music by the Jae Sinnett Trio.
Friday, October 13, 2017
Projects funded:
Other Project Proposals:
Saturday, June 17, 2017
The Bronze Door Society presented the Bronze Door International Wine Classic as their annual fundraiser. This upscale wine tasting was held in the beautiful Main Lobby of the Museum and featured over 80 international and domestic wines. Guests enjoyed unlimited wine tastings, gourmet food pairings, and live music by The Jae Sinnett Trio.
Friday, October 28, 2016
Each October, Members of The Bronze Door Society are invited to cast their vote for a range of projects developed and presented by the Museum staff. In 2015, $65,800 was awarded to fund a variety of projects. With the resounding success of the 2016 Bronze Door Society International Wine Classic, The Bronze Door Society is poised to continue its mission to designate funds in support of The Mariners’ Museum and Park through the selection of proposed projects at this annual event.
Projects funded:
Other Project Proposals:
June 18, 2016
The Mariners’ Museum and Park would like to express heartfelt appreciation to The Bronze Door Society and their dedicated membership, for the detailed planning, community sponsorship and sparkling atmosphere that endeared the 4th Annual International Wine Classic on June 18, 2016, as one of the most notable soirées in Hampton Roads. Boasting a vibrant crowd of over 250 wine lovers, Museum enthusiasts, and many new faces, this celebration featured unlimited tastings of global and domestic wines, accompanied by flavorful hors d’oeuvres and the relaxing jazz sounds of the renowned Jae Sinnet Trio. Be certain to mark your calendar for next year’s event on June 17, 2017, and don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy superior wines in a spectacular setting.
October 9, 2015
Annual Meeting and Black Tie Selection Dinner, Society members and guests enjoyed dinner in an elegant setting at the base of the Lancaster Eagle, in the Grand Lobby of the Museum. Members voted in the selection of funded activities for the Museum.
Projects funded:
Other Project Proposal:
June 20, 2015
An elegant evening with:
October 10, 2014
Annual Meeting and Black Tie Selection Dinner, Society members and guests enjoyed dinner in an elegant setting at the base of the Lancaster Eagle, in the Grand Lobby of the Museum. Members voted in the selection of funded activities for the Museum.
Projects funded:
Other Project Proposals:
June 21, 2014
More than 200 oenophiles attended the third annual bronze Door Wine Classic on June 21. The event is living up to its promise to be the premier wine tasting experience on the Peninsula. Attendees enjoyed close to 90 exceptional wines accompanied by jazz from The Jae Sinnett Trio. This year’s event included a silent auction featuring never before offered prints of paintings by reknown 19th century maritime artist James Edward Buttersworth, prints by Chesapeake Bay watercolorist Lee Abston & Norfolk photographer Glen McClure, and two large handcrafted sailing sloops. All proceeds of the evening go to furthering The Bronze Door Society’s support of The Mariners’ Museum.
October 11, 2013
Annual Meeting and Black Tie Selection Dinner, Society members and guests enjoyed dinner in an elegant setting at the base of the Lancaster Eagle, in the Grand Lobby of the Museum. Members voted in the selection of funded activities for the Museum.
Projects funded:
Other Project Proposals:
From left, Anne Marie Millar, Gerry Hanley and Dave Krop
September 19, 2013
August 15, 2013
Members were given an exclusive viewing of the USS Monitor Center Conservation Laboratory by Monitor Center Director David Krop and the conservation staff. The viewing focused on artifacts in an advanced stage of conservation or ready for display. Refreshments were served on the patio overlooking the Thursdays by the Lake concert.
June 15, 2013
The 2nd annual Bronze Door Wine Classic, quickly becoming the Peninsula’s premier wine tasting experience.
Feb 6, 2013
Members were given a unique viewing of the recently acquired James Edward Buttersworth paintings and some of the more rare textiles in the Museum’s collection, including the Confederate flags donated by the Gideon Welles family.
Behind the Scenes, February 2013
October 12, 2012
Annual Meeting and Black Tie Selection Dinner, Society members and guests enjoyed dinner in an elegant setting at the base of the Lancaster Eagle, in the Grand Lobby of the Museum. Members voted in the selection of funded activities for the Museum.
Projects funded:
Other Project Proposals:
August 1, 2012
The Bronze Door Society had a private reception to meet: Michael Tougias, author of The Finest Hours: The True Story Behind the U.S. Coast Guard’s Most Daring Sea Rescue. Reception was sponsored by Mr. Heinz Schiller. Immediately following the reception, guests enjoyed Mr. Tougias’s lecture at 7:00 PM
June 16, 2012
March 24, 2012
Members were given a rare glimpse into the technology behind the Museum and its exhibitions.
May 13, 2011
June 18, 2011
November 27, 2011
March 30, 2011
August 4, 2010
March 24, 2010
May 14, 2010
October 17, 2009
September 13, 2009
Hampton Roads Harbor Cruise followed by dinner at the Hampton Yacht Club.
November 30, 2009
The Steering Council of the Society provides the day-to-day direction and administration of Society operations and to do so, liaises directly with the Museum’s Development staff and other Museum organizations. The fifteen members serve on the Council for three years.
During the more than forty years we have lived here, The Mariners’ Museum has always been and continues to be a unique and fascinating place to visit. Being involved as members of the Museum and the Bronze Door Society is important , not only because we help to grow the intrinsic value of the Huntington legacy, but also because we are helping to grow one of our community’s most valuable historical, and educational assets.
Bob Schappert
The Mariners’ Museum has been a special and exciting destination for me and my family since I could walk! I was raised close by and many Sundays found my mom and dad and me gazing, always in awe, at the huge gold eagle or pushing buttons in the Great Hall of Steam. Now, I’m able to give back some of that joy by supporting the Museum as a member of The Bronze Door Society. The pleasure of joining others to leverage our gifts of support and really make a difference is indescribably satisfying. I urge you to share that pleasure and satisfaction by joining this unique institution, America’s National Maritime Museum!
Ron Lewis
Over the years, The Mariners’ Museum has played a large part in my volunteer life, so when the Bronze Door Society was formed, I jumped at the chance to join. I cannot imagine a more wonderful opportunity to provide the Museum with a new item for the collection or a special fundraising event—or anything that might be needed. As a group, we not only sponsor a variety of fundraising events, but we have a wonderful time together! For us, the year culminates at our Annual Dinner, when we get the chance to vote on how to spend our money to best assist the Museum.
Martha Field
My wife and I think that The Mariners’ Museum is a fantabulous place! It’s not just about ‘ships’—it’s about the history of America, the history of the whole civilized world. When you think about it, people have only been flying from one place to another for a little over 50 years. Up until then, for thousands of years, they traveled on the water—in ships. Almost all of us are descendents of immigrants, and almost all of our ancestors got to America—in ships. And The Mariners’ Museum tells that story better than any place we can think of!” But there’s only room for a small percentage of the Museum’s collections to be out on exhibit at a given point in time. The rest are stored ‘behind-the-scenes,’ away from the eyes of the general public. And that’s the focus of members of the Bronze Door Society: supporting the Museum’s collections, whether on exhibit or ‘behind-the-scenes.’ It’s great to be a member of the Museum, but it’s much more fun to be involved in the Museum! That’s why Nancy Lee and I are members of the Bronze Door Society!
Tom Clark
I have come to The Mariners’ Museum for over 35 years — for inspiration as a shipmodel builder. It is one of the best maritime museums in the world as I have found out in my travels. Virginia, you have a treasure. My membership in the Bronze Door Society is a great way to support this wonderful institution.
Heinz Schiller
The Bronze Door Society is all about coming together, having great fun, meeting fabulous new people, and increasing one’s knowledge of the maritime world, all while benefiting a world class museum that’s right in our backyard! I’ve been a member for years and am very proud of our accomplishments in supporting the Museum.
Nhu Yeargin
For more information, contact:
Luisa Vázquez-López
Director, Individual Philanthropy
(757) 591-7705
[email protected]
