Dearest Friends,
I received many emails and calls of encouragement since you read Saturday’s Pensacola News Journal (see attachment) with the information concerning the UWF feasibility study for the Maritime Museum.  I corroborate reporter Jamie Page’s article that indicated hiring consultants was a fiduciary obligation given the economy and the course the university is taking as it relates to a more traditional campus for our students – investment in athletic facilities and vital educational venues. From the beginning, the university was a solid partner in Museum planning and in promoting the community park. As a result, the UWF Board of Trustees supported the study to determine the viability of continued negotiations with the city because the State of Florida Maritime Museum was central to the original case for a “Maritime Park†design. Because I recognize that UWF extensively sustained this museum project with untold monetary expenditures since 2006, I personally offered to pay for the consultant fee in order to get the Maritime Museum project moving again. Given various dialogues in the last few months, it was important to confirm that the community still supports the project. Happily – you do! Â
The consultant’s report is now public and can be requested from kmarrero@uwf.edu. These consultants, experts in museums across America, recommended that the State of Florida Maritime Museum continue as a viable project but not under the patronage of UWF. When the university was eligible for matching state dollars (called the Courtelis Fund), it was an excellent rationale for developing the project under the auspices of UWF and was the reason that Jack Fetterman and Dr. Cavanaugh saw mutually beneficial opportunities. Some donors suggested the non-profit status option months ago and are pleased that the final recommendation confirms a compelling opportunity.  Â
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As for the property on the Vince Whibb’s, Sr. Maritime Park, I pray that it will remain a vision for the new State of Florida Maritime Museum Board of Directors. Those dedicated to this concept using our rich maritime history will move forward, and build a talented board of like-minded individuals from across Florida. We will create a niche market that tells the story of a state that continues to shape the history of our nation. Clearly, the nearby Historic District properties and Aviation Museum are critical in the continued success of notable preservation efforts in Pensacola environs.
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 I want to remind you that our beloved Naval Aviation Museum was over forty years in the making. Starting with two rusted aircraft and a small Quonset hut by the NAS parade field, Pensacola now has a magnificent building that houses the all-American story of Naval Aviation.  It seems to me, the Maritime Museum will evolve in much the same way. With current monies, we will provide a smaller ‘village’ atmosphere recommended in earlier planning sessions by noted city architects. Imagine starting with a “Trader Jon Cafe†that offers lunch, supper, and superb views, and includes ship models built by local artisans. We will revisit the original notion of traveling exhibits, display those archaeological artifacts revealed by Dr. Judy Bense and her staff, and welcome those discovered by local divers. We will offer a stroll on the nearby boardwalk with a Tall Ship permanently docked at the wharf.  We will invite local Yacht Clubs to have “raft ups†and watch sunsets, fireworks and baseball games. Working with the City of Pensacola, we can encourage many “Tall Ship†visits and develop a dedicated harbor cruise for visitors. Thus, this museum can progress into a maritime district visitor center offering trolley rides to the historic borough and the Naval Air Station. Expansions will follow and these efforts will replicate the small steps used by the Naval Aviation Museum in their early days. Similar to aviation history, the dynamic nature of human interaction with the maritime environment and the ocean’s impact on land and people is at the forefront of Pensacola’s State of Florida Maritime Museum.
I know that a devoted board can make this Maritime Museum a regional triumph. It will underscore the American ideal of moving toward a common goal and reaching it logically. Pensacola will share with others the history of Florida and its importance in the American narrative will be worthy of your support.  To those exceptional community friends who continue to believe in this project – you are helping to preserve our heritage. Please call me with any concerns or questions that you may have. Thank you for your consideration of this message – I am eager to hear your thoughts!
With warmest regards,
Nancy Fetterman