Smith to retire after 12 years, Johnston to assume command

08Nov2011

Port Columbus’s only museum director since its opening in 2001, Bruce Smith, is to retire at the end of 2011.  “Having the opportunity to create this museum from the ground up is the highlight of my career,” said Smith, “the staff here has been incredible to pull this thing together from scratch and make a world class facility.” Smith came to the museum in 1998 to complete the planning for the new facility and then oversee its construction along with the exhibit plan.  Before that, he had served more than 12 years as Executive Director of the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg, TX.

Taking the reins from Smith is Ken Johnston, the museum’s current Director of Education and Programs.  Johnston came to Port Columbus with previous experience at Mount Vernon, Colonial Williamsburg and the Atlanta History Center as well as historic character work on National Geographic, the History Channel and in Emmy Award winning programs on PBS. “This is a museum that impressed me from the moment I stepped through the doors as a visitor in 2002” said Johnston. “Being in position to guide the museum through the Civil War Sesquicentennial and enhance its national reputation and tourism profile is exactly the sort of challenge a museum professional dreams of.”

See the Ledger-Enquirer Online story about the transition here.

4 Responses to “Smith to retire after 12 years, Johnston to assume command”

1. Tom Lenard says:

   November 18, 2011 at 9:08 pm

   Congrats Ken!!

   FYI: I’ll be in the Museum tomorrow around 1pm with a couple of friends from Atlanta. One, a former veteran as I am and another a long business partner of sorts. Bill, the veteran was in the Air Force as I was. He could use a wheel chair if you folks have one…

   Thanks..Tom Lenard (334) 703-3456

   Reply
2. Art Bagley, TampaFL says:

   December 1, 2011 at 4:12 pm

   If you saw the “museum” as it used to be (ca.2000 — with the shed covering the outdoors CSSJackson), you’d understand even better the Herculean efforts Bruce Smith exerted to put together this great museum.

   And now, great responsibility is being assumed by Ken Johnston to keep the momentum going. Best of luck in these endeavors, Ken.

   Art Bagley
   University of Tampa Library

   Reply
3. Harper Harris says:

   December 9, 2011 at 8:41 am

   Bruce & the Port Columbus Boys,
   You fellows are really going to miss this guy. Its not every day that a director will dawn the cloths and help with living history programs! Bruce you Jerry and all the gang have really made Port Columbus come alive and I wish you the best in your retirement. Ken you really seem to have a passion for history Iam sure you will add to the museum.Just wish I lived closer.

   Harper Harris
   Lead Interpreter
   Southern Museum

   Reply
4. Peter Barratt says:

   December 17, 2011 at 5:09 pm

   I have been friends with Bruce for several years and we met up when he and Carole visited England about 3 years’ ago. He has been instrumental in progressing the Museum to its current high standards – we in the UK Civil War Round Table were only to pleased to help raise funds for the Water Witch project, which has now been completed. His will be a tough act to follow, but I would like to take this opportunity to wish Ken Johnston all the best for the future. Enjoy your retirement in the ‘Sunshine State’ Bruce, with best wishes from myself, Richard O’Sullivan and all the members of the UK Civil War Round Table – you’ve earned it!!

   Peter Barratt

   Reply