About Coastal Lecture: Bridging the Past, Building the Future – Shipbuilding & Stewardship on the Coast

Join us for a lecture at the Crane Estate with KD Montgomery, Executive Director of the Essex Shipbuilding Museum. In this talk, KD will explore the unique intersection of traditional craftsmanship and environmental stewardship that defines the Essex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum. By examining the role of shipbuilding in the area since the 1600s, KD will highlight how the museum engages the community to connect heritage with present-day sustainability practices. Attendees will gain insight into how the skills, creativity, and environmental awareness of early American shipbuilders serve as a model for protecting our waterways and salt marshes today.

Learn more about the Essex Shipbuilding Museum here: https://www.essexshipbuilding.org/

About our Speaker:

KD Montgomery brings a unique combination of hands-on maritime experience, nonprofit leadership, and educational expertise to the Essex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum. Currently serving as Executive Director, KD leads the museum’s mission to preserve and share the maritime heritage and craftsmanship of Essex. Since joining the museum in 2021 as Operations Manager and later stepping into the executive role, KD has overseen key initiatives in environmental stewardship, historical preservation, and community engagement.

Before transitioning to museum leadership, KD spent nearly a decade as Bosun aboard the historic *Schooner Ardelle*, piloting the 58-foot charter vessel on the waters of Cape Ann and beyond. In this role, KD led educational programming on marine science, navigation, and maritime history, developing an in-depth understanding of coastal ecosystems and maritime culture. KD also has experience in STEM education as an Education and Laboratory Coordinator at Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute, where KD taught and prepared students for biotech careers through advanced lab protocols and hands-on instruction.

KD holds a strong background in both nonprofit administration and community-focused education, having previously managed educational programs for local organizations and served on the board of Action Inc. A lifelong Gloucester resident, KD is deeply connected to the Cape Ann region and is committed to fostering sustainable practices and preserving the local heritage that defines Essex and its waterways.

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