Savor the Moment
The Martha’s Vineyard Museum held its annual meeting on a perfect sunlit and breezy August afternoon. Gathered under the tent on August 17th were about fifty members, board members, volunteers and staff members. Friends and family of the four recipients of the first Martha’s Vineyard Medal were honored guests. Awarded for the first time at this Annual Meeting, the Martha’s Vineyard Museum has established the M.V. Medal as a way to honor leaders in the community who have demonstrated a strong commitment to preserving the history, arts and culture of Martha’s Vineyard. The criteria for awards are contributions and leadership in one or more of the following areas:
- History of Martha’s Vineyard
- Historic preservation on Martha’s Vineyard
- Fine and performing arts on Martha’s Vineyard
- Literature relating to Martha’s Vineyard
- Educational activities on Martha’s Vineyard
- Community activism to preserve the history, arts and culture of the Island
This year’s recipients are Ray Ellis, longtime island artist; Tom Hale, ship builder, historian, writer. Two awards were given posthumously: Della Hardman, columnist, teacher,poet, artist and activist; and to John Walter, journalist, publisher, editor. All four of these recipients have been close to the Martha’s Vineyard Museum, serving as volunteers, board members, advocates, and members. To read more about our recipients, follow this link.
 
 
Prior to the award ceremony, board chair Elizabeth Beim greeted the convocation, recognizing seven board members who have rotated off the board as well as the long service of several volunteers. She welcomed five new board members to their first terms. Follow this link to a listing of board members. Before turning the meeting over to outgoing executive director Keith Gorman, Mrs. Beim introduced David Nathans who will take the reins of the Museum on September 8.
Follow this link to a transcript of Mrs. Beim’s remarks.
Mr. Gorman spoke of the successes of the past twelve months including collaborations with the Preservation Trust and the Island Affordable Housing Fund. He praised the staff and board for their professionalism and leadership in what last fall became increasingly difficult financial times. Finally, he stated: “I believe that the Museum has taken great strides….I am going to deeply miss the people, history, and natural beauty of the Island. It has been an honor to work for such a vital organization.”
Follow this link for a transcript of his remarks.
Following the official meeting of the members, the four Martha’s Vineyard Medals were awarded. Introducing the first of the recipients with warm words of praise and fondness was Nis Kildegaard who spoke of John Walter’s contributions to the Museum as editor of the Dukes County Intelligencer as well as his devotion to bringing alive ‘Vineyard stories,’ before presenting the Martha’s Vineyard Medal to Walter’s son, Christian. Board treasurer Bob Wheeler introduced Ray Ellis remarking on Ellis’ career as an artist and his long standing love of the beauty of Martha’s Vineyard as exemplified in his paintings. Phil Hale had the distinct pleasure of tweaking his father, Tom Hale, talking about Hale’s fondness of the letter S, all things sailing, ships, and the sea. Andrea Taylor spoke of her mother Della Hardman’s love of art, history, lifelong learning and the Martha’s Vineyard Museum. In the spirit of her mother’s wit and wisdom, Taylor presented to the MVM a plaque featuring a well-known maxim of Della Hardman: Savor the Moment—which perfectly exemplified the Annual Meeting.
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