The Board of Directors of Rockland’s Sail, Power & Steam Museum announced Jan. 3 that Robin McIntosh is its the new executive director of the museum.

Museum founder Captain Jim Sharp will remain in a leadership role as chairman of the Board of Directors, as well as continuing to greet guests, regaling them with sea stories, and giving lectures through museum programming. Meg Sharp, cofounder of the Sail, Power & Steam Museum, will remain in her position on the Board of Directors.

“Capt. Jim and Meg Sharp, had the vision and foresight to create a cultural center that tells the story of Maine’s maritime heritage,” said Richard Crossman, board vice chair, in a Jan. 3 news release. “They took an under-utilized property in Rockland’s South End and created a thriving organization with a wonderful collection of boats, engines, artifacts, and exhibits to celebrate and honor that heritage.  Robin has served as the museum’s associate director for the past four years, and we are pleased that she has agreed to accept this new position, bringing just the right collection of skills and experience to lead the organization.”

Sharp said: “I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to pass the reigns of this museum that means so much to Meg and I to such a capable person. Robin embraces the right skill set, background and collaborative insight that the Sail, Power & Steam Museum needs.  I look forward to working with her, remaining involved as chair of the Board of Directors, and continuing to interact with visitors as I transition toward retirement over the next few years,” added Sharp.

A long-time Midcoast resident, McIntosh has extensive experience in the nonprofit sector, serving most recently as director of development at the Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce and program director of Midcoast Leadership Academy prior to coming to the museum as associate director. 

A graduate of the University of Maine at Orono, she also attended Leadership Seacoast in New Hampshire, Midcoast Leadership Academy, and Leadership Maine.  She has volunteered in the community, serving as chair of Camden’s Budget Committee and the former Camden Community and Economic Development Advisory Committee, as well as serving as a member of Rockland’s Economic Advisory Committee, Rockland Maine Street’s Economic Restructuring committee, and the boards of other local nonprofit organizations.

“I see this as a wonderful opportunity,” said McIntosh.  “This museum and its waterfront programs help to keep this community connected to our maritime history. It is important to have a center for residents and visitors to immerse themselves in our heritage, experiencing how it influences us now and into the future.  I’m looking forward to working with our board of directors and continuing to honor the Sharps’ vision and legacy.” 

The Sail, Power & Steam Museum is open May through October with music and speaker series both in-person and online throughout the year.  The museum’s mission is to celebrate, honor, experience, and tell the story of that heritage.  For more information on the museum and its programs, visit www.SailPowerSteamMuseum.org.