In Memory Of

William Durfee Wilkinson

William Durfee Wilkinson, former Executive Director of The Mariners' Museum, passed away on December 13, 2009 in Springfield, Pennsylvania. He was 85 years old.

Mr. Wilkinson served as Executive Director from 1973 until 1994. Prior to his arrival at The Mariners' Museum he was administrator and curator at The Museum of the City of New York and registrar for the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He was one of the original founders of the International Council of Maritime Museums and The Association for Rescue at Sea.

In 2009 he co-authored America Coastal Rescue Craft, University of Florida Press. He leaves to cherish his memory many friends in Newport News and his beloved wife of 43 years, Dorothy.