THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, January 18, 1996 TAG: 9601180401
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: D1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ALEX MARSHALL, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 78 lines
The new director of Nauticus, David T. Guernsey Jr., was presented Wednesday morning to a crowd of downtown leaders eager to hear how the man from Savannah would turn around the troubled museum.
Guernsey, the former director for 12 years of Ships of the Sea in Savannah, Ga., kept his cards close to the vest and gave only a hint of his plans for the museum on the Elizabeth River.
He said change would not happen overnight. Any revisions would be based on research about public perception and desires, as well as a thorough understanding of the museum's strengths and potential.
``I know people want change tomorrow, but it has to be the right plan,'' Guernsey said in an interview.
But he did tell the audience he expected to drop the price of local membership to encourage more visitors from Hampton Roads.
``I truly believe Nauticus should be a resource for our community,'' Guernsey said.
Guerney's appointment as president and CEO of Nauticus comes as city officials and business leaders are desperate to boost the popularity of the attraction, both in attendance and in public perception.
Although still one of the top attractions in the area, Nauticus has drawn far fewer visitors and made less money than originally predicted. Last year, the council was forced to agree to subsidize its budget by $1 million annually.
In an interview Wednesday, Guernsey said Nauticus drew 280,000 people in 1995 - off from the more than 400,000 the museum drew 1994, when it was only open a half-year.
The museum was open from March through December in 1995.
Guernsey said 1994 figures could have been inflated due to various promotions, but said the relatively low figures for last year were not too bad, considering the museum was operating without a permanent director.
``It's a sign they opened the center without some direction, and that the staff and the board kept this place going, and that they need to be commended for that,'' Guernsey said. ``Now there is someone at the helm.''
Without giving specifics, Guernsey said he is contemplating changing the gray, gun-metal exterior of the exhibit to make it more immediately recognizable as a nautically-themed museum.
``You need something so when you come over the hill and get that first glance, it says what it is,'' Guernsey said.
He also said the museum should be open more to usages by the community, such as hosting events or showing popular Hollywood movies, such as ``Jaws,'' in the deluxe theater on Saturday mornings.
Guernsey has a varied and unusual background. Before his tenure in Savannah, he was manager of two symphony orchestras and a bond trader in his home town of New York City. He has a bachelor's degree in music and a master's in business administration.
He was hired in large part on his experience in turning around Ships of the Sea in Savannah. The museum had been closed when Guernsey became its director in 1982. Guernsey reopened it and the museum is now one of the more popular attractions in Savannah.
With his background in museums and culture, Guernsey contrasts with the background of the previous director, Michael L. Bartlett, who had worked more with theme parks. The choice is in line with a decision to reorient Nauticus as more of a museum than a theme park or entertainment center.
Any changes Guernsey undertakes will be based in large part on the extensive surveying and focus groups the city has been conducting on Nauticus over the past month. The surveying follows through on a community outreach effort that began when Mayor Paul D. Fraim hosted an open house at Nauticus in December.
The results of this research will be unveiled at an open meeting tonight at 7 p.m. at Nauticus to which the public is invited. ILLUSTRATION: Color photo
VICKI CRONIS/The Virginian-Pilot
David T. Guernsey Jr. hinted at his plans for troubled Nauticus when
he was presented Wednesday to downtown leaders.
by CNB