Maine Archives and Museums (MAM) is pleased to announce that it has contracted with Erin Bishop of Falmouth, Maine, to be its first Director. Dr. Bishop will succeed Julie Rabinowitz, MAM’s Business Manager from 2011-2012, who has taken a leadership position in the Maine Department of Labor. Dr. Bishop will guide the long-term activities and oversee the day-to-day operations of MAM, a membership organization whose purpose is to develop and foster a network of collecting institutions and individuals in Maine.
"MAM is extremely fortunate to have Erin Bishop to help us build upon recent growth implemented by her predecessor," said president Jay Adams. "During her tenure here Julie Rabinowitz put MAM's administrative house in order and then introduced tools, including a new cloud-based web site, and methods of operation, such as making the most of social media, to further support our member collecting institutions. Erin Bishop comes to us with responsible administrative experience, a record of successful grant writing, and now as director, with the knowledge and ability to help MAM members carry out their most important role: caring for and using artifacts and objects from the past to inform and improve the personal and civic lives of Maine's citizens. Thanks to both of these smart, creative, dependable women for casting their lot with MAM."
Dr. Bishop has a Ph.D. in history from the National University Ireland (Dublin) and is the principal of Clio Museum Consulting, where she has consulted on projects with Skyline Farms in North Yarmouth and the Jonathan Fisher House in Blue Hill. Dr. Bishop is also the Project Coordinator of the Experience Maritime Maine program with Maine Maritime Museum in Bath. Before moving to Maine, Dr. Bishop served as Director of Education for the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, Illinois.
"I am very pleased and proud to help MAM pursue its mission of supporting and promoting collecting institutions in Maine,” said Bishop. "I have followed MAM’s tremendous growth over the last two years, and I look forward to helping MAM and its members achieve even more together."
Dr. Bishop joins MAM at a time of great energy and renewed focus. Since 2011, MAM has embarked upon a remarkable number of new initiatives, including a move to a new website and system of data management, a major grant from the Davis Family Foundation, new social media fansites, and a significant increase in membership and revenue from sponsorships and paid advertising. Under Dr. Bishop’s leadership, MAM is in a strong position for future success.
