The Commission, Foundation, and staff of Historic St. Mary's City (HSMC) were saddened to learn that our friend and champion, Benjamin C. Bradlee, passed away on Tuesday, October 21.
In 1991, the recently-retired Bradlee was 'shanghaied' by then-Governor William Donald Schaefer into taking the helm of a newly-reconstituted HSMC Commission, the governing body of the museum on the site of Maryland's first capital. Under Ben's leadership, the bounds and layout of the old city became visible, populated with re-constructed colonial buildings and ghost frames. Improvements to the 20th -century infrastructure, from parking to signage, provided guests a more satisfying visit. In the 90s, Ben's influence and the recovery of three rare lead coffins from the foundation of the 1676 Brick Chapel catapulted the museum into the national news. 'Ben was a great motivator,' HSMC Executive Director Regina Faden, Ph.D. commented, 'It may be fair to say there hadn't been this much activity in the City since the 17th century.'
In 1997, the Maryland General Assembly enacted SB393, which established the Historic St. Mary's City Commission as an independent agency with in the Office of the Governor. Ben took this as 'a clear signal that we must move forward in a significant way.' The law formalized the museum's affiliation with St. Mary's College of Maryland in an educational partnership to preserve, study, and interpret the National Historic Landmark where the institutions are located and fostered a spirit of collaboration that guides museum endeavors today. Together, the two institutions developed the Maryland Heritage Project that includes new buildings and interpretive resources. Ben's term as Chairman of the Commission extended until 2003; he continued lending his expertise and influence to the museum as chairman emeritus.
'Ben's legacy is tangible in the re-created City and in the interpretive programs that help visitors understand the state's illustrious beginnings,' noted Faden. 'His influence is reflected in the strength and mission of this institution. The museum could count on his good advice and support.' Ben's gentle sense of humor, self-depreciating manner, intelligence, and generosity will be missed. He was a man of the highest class who was a true man of the people. We were lucky to have known him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Posted by Unknown on Wednesday, October 22, 2014 - Rating: 4.5
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