EGAN MARITIME FOUNDATION
The legacy continues
My View By Jean Grimmer
Through his vision and generosity, Albert F. "Bud" Egan has left Nantucket with a rich legacy that will be enjoyed for generations to come.

Interested in maritime art, Bud began to collect in the '80s after encountering the work of Anton Otto Fischer, an illustrator of marine subjects for the Saturday Evening Post. He then commissioned British artist Rodney Charman to paint pivotal scenes from Nantucket history. Soon, it was clear that his passion for collecting would outgrow his wall space.

Concurrently, Bud established the Albert F. Egan Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 private operating foundation. He also became interested in the Coffin School, which had fallen into disrepair. Bud collaborated with the school's trustees and agreed to underwrite the restoration of the historic building's interior. In exchange, he was granted a 30- year lease.

In 1996 Bud appointed Nathaniel Philbrick - author of a book published by another of Bud's ventures, the Mill Hill Press - as founding director of the "Egan Institute of Maritime Studies." Bud charged Nat to develop "education, research, and publishing components and, more particularly, to establish the Egan tradition of philanthropy for the 21st century and beyond."

Later, the Coffin School became the headquarters of the Egan Maritime Institute, along with its affiliates Mill Hill Press and the newly re-named Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum, which merged with Egan Maritime in 2004.

Fast forward to today.

Out of 120-plus nonprofit organizations on the island, Egan Maritime is the only one devoted exclusively to advancing appreciation of Nantucket's maritime heritage, which has shaped the island's rich history and distinctive character for 400 years. It boasts a permanent collection of contemporary and illustrative art, books and artifacts, reflecting Nantucket's nautical legacy, which serves as the basis of ongoing displays and special exhibitions. Additionally, Egan Maritime sponsors a popular speakers program on a variety of special interest topics, all which relate to maritime heritage, history and culture.

Mill Hill Press is a publisher of distinctive Nantucket books and is recognized as the most prolific publisher of books relating to the island and its maritime heritage. Topics include the island's history, literature and art. Mill Hill Press is currently publishing two books a year, stimulating interest about Nantucket, and proposals for new publications continue to outstrip the press's capacity to publish.

The Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum shares the fascinating stories of yesterday and today's maritime heroes through permanent and changing interpretive exhibits, drawing on a collection of over 5,000 objects. Established in 1968 by Robert Caldwell, USCG (Ret.) and friends, the museum at 158 Polpis Road will reopen this summer following a $3 million renovation. The museum promises to be fun and informative - a notto be missed experience for all ages. Children, in particular, will appreciate the compassionate rescue tale of "Marshall the Dog."

Together, these three entities strive to fulfill Bud's vision to create "a healthy and vigorous future for Nantucket through widespread understanding of and deep respect for the island's rich heritage."

Jean Grimmer is executive director of the Egan Maritime Foundation.