Join us as stewards of
The Mariners’ Word-class Collection
The Bronze Door Society is the oldest, member-managed affinity group of The Mariners’ Museum and Park. This active group of Museum patrons and community leaders gather regularly throughout the year to engage with one another and participate in Museum initiatives.
The efforts of The Bronze Door Society are rooted in:
- Encourage an in-depth understanding of the Museum’s collections, and library archives.
- Support the Museum’s mission and programs by funding the acquisition, conservation, and exhibition of artifacts, works of art, and archival materials.
- Provide educational programs and learning opportunities for the community.
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.
Mr. John Avery Collins, Chair
Mrs. Cynthia Katz
Mr. James R. Knight
Mr. Ron Lewis
Ms. Sandra B. Armstrong
Mrs. Georgia S. Buxton
Mrs. Vance B. Field
Mr. H. Carlyle Gravely III
Mr. Gerald S. Hanley
Mr. John H. Holt
Ms. Susan S. Mullally
Mrs. Sandra N. Parks
Mrs. Nancy Horgan
Mrs. Carole Rekrut
Mrs. Judy Copes
- Ms. Sandra B. Armstrong and Mr. Thomas Richmond
- Mr. and Mrs. Sven D. Berg, Jr.
- Admiral Harold Bernsen and Mrs. Bernsen
- Mr. and Mrs. Fred Bonis
- Drs. Bruce and Cassianne Booth
- Mr. and Mrs. Charles M. Brooks
- Mrs. Susan C. Brooks and Mr. Daniel W. Pritchard
- Mrs. Georgia S. Buxton
- Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey R. Carlson
- Dr. and Mrs. Brad Carmines
- Mr. William R. Carpenter III
- Dr. William B. Cogar
- Mr. and Mrs. John A. Collins
- Mrs. Judy A. Copes
- Dr. and Mrs. John P. Doley
- Mr. and Mrs. Timothy J. Etherington
- Mrs. Vance B. Field
- Dr. and Mrs. Wallace K. Garner, M.D.
- Mr. Michael and Dr. Emmeline Gasink
- Mr. and Mrs. Gordon L. Gentry, Jr.
- Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Gilmore II
- Mr. H. Carlyle Gravely III
- Dr. and Mrs. Ward G. Gypson, Jr.
- Mr. and Mrs. Gerald S. Hanley
- Mr. and Mrs. Philip L. Hatchett
- Mr. and Mrs. Ted G. Hemmert
- Mrs. Martha R. Hightower
- Captain Richard S. Hillyer, Ret.
- Mr. and Mrs. Howard H. Hoege III
- Drs. John and Carol Hogg
- Mr. Wythe W. Holt, Jr.
- Mr. and Mrs. John H. Holt
- Mrs. Nancy E. Horgan
- Mr. and Mrs. Kendall C. Jones
- Mr. and Mrs. Stuart E. Katz
- Mr. James R. Knight
- Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Lanier
- Dr. and Mrs. St. George T. Lee
- Mr. and Mrs. Roney W. Lewis
- Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Marshall
- Dr. John Q. A. Mattern II
- Mr. and Mrs. Thomas W. Meehan, Sr.
- Mr. and Mrs. Venner F. Milewski
- Ms. Marcia A. Liebel and Mr. Ted W. Mittler
- Mr. and Mrs. John B. Morgan II
- Ms. Susan S. Mullally
- Ms. Mary C. Neale
- Mr. and Mrs. James E. Neff
- Dr. Douglas L. Nelson and Dr. Susan E. Mackel
- Mr. and Mrs. William G. Ouzts
- Mrs. Sandra N. Parks
- Dr. and Mrs. William F. Peach, Jr.
- Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Phillips, Jr.
- Mrs. Jack Potter
- Mr. John V. Quarstein
- Ms. Carole L. Rekrut and Mr. Scott L. Edelman
- Mr. and Mrs. Heinz O. P. Schiller
- Mr. Ward R. Scull III
- Mr. H.J. Shaw
- Mr. and Mrs. Conway H. Sheild, III
- Mr. Howard P. Smith
- Ms. Nan L. Smith
- Mr. and Mrs. Norbert F. Smith
- Mrs. Robert G. Smola
- Mr. and Mrs. Rick S. Spaulding
- Mrs. Martha P. Stewart
- Mrs. Mary H. Thompson
- Commander Richard L. Thompson, USN (Ret.) and Mrs. Easter R. Thompson
- Ms. Marguerite K. Vail
- Dr. and Mrs. James A. Wassum
- Mrs. Virginia Fitzhugh Wilson
- Dr. H. Alexander Wilson III and Dr. Anne L. Wilson
- Mr. and Mrs. William C. Wooldridge
Bronze Door Society Events
Annually, the Society presents The Mariners’ Sips & Trips event where the public is invited to an evening at the Museum to enjoy unlimited wine tastings and curated food pairings while exploring rarely seen artifacts and fascinating maritime stories. The proceeds of this event, along with Society members’ membership contributions, are designated to support the Museum’s work in conserving its world-class collections.
Each October, the Society gathers for the Annual Dinner & Project Selection, where Museum team members present an array of conservation projects and funding needs. Members cast their votes at the event and provide funds for numerous projects. Since 2020, the Society has fully funded every project presented, and the Museum could not be more grateful for their commitment!
Upcoming Events:
- The Bronze Door Society Annual Dinner & Project Selection
October 20, 2023 - Evening Lecture and
President’s Reception
November 16, 2023 - Wreathing of the Lions
December 2, 2023 - The Mariners’ Sips & Trips
Presented by The Bronze Door Society
June 2024
Testimonials
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
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
Contact Us
For more information, contact:
Luisa Vázquez-López
Senior Director of Advancement
[email protected]
(757) 591-7705