ICMM represents around 120 member institutions from historic ships, local, regional, independent and national museums across the world in every continent. He takes over the position from Steve White, President of Mystic Seaport in Connecticut, USA.
Matthew was appointed as Chief Executive of the SS Great Britain Trust in 2000. Having worked in the heritage sector for 25 years, he was awarded a Doctor of Laws Honorary Degree from the University of Bristol in July 2015 in recognition of his work establishing Brunel’s SS Great Britain as one of the region’s finest landmarks. Matthew’s tenure as president of the world body for maritime museums will be for four years.
Matthew Tanner commented:
“I am honoured to be elected as the President of the ICMM and very much look forward to working with the international community of maritime museum leaders. Maritime museums are in their very nature international institutions, and in these challenging times, maritime museums reach across the oceans to help foster international friendship and collaboration. They celebrate the coming together of the world today and fostering an appreciation of our maritime past can only help with improving all our futures.”
The International Congress of Maritime Museums brings professionals together from all over the world, creating a strong network of maritime museums. ICMM monitors, nurtures and supports maritime museums and maritime preservation activities on an international scale and develops strategies to ensure long-term public awareness and appreciation of the significance of maritime preservation.
Previous ICMM President, Steve White, commented:
“I am honoured to pass the leadership responsibility for ICMM to Matthew Tanner who has distinguished himself in the global museum community.”
