H. Maury Drummond

H. Maury Drummond. Executive Director (1991-201). , Maury Drummond was instrumental in making the U.S.S. Kidd veteran's museum one of Baton Rouge's most outstanding tourist attractions. He began volunteering at the museum in 1985 before receiving a gubernatorial appointment to the Louisiana Naval War Memorial Commission, which oversees the museum's operation. He served as chairman of the commission before being asked to assume the role of executive director., Maury led and supported a team of staff and volunteers in filling an empty building with exhibits, many of which he built with friends and family. More exhibits followed including the Louisiana veteran's Hall of Honor, a replica gun deck of the U.S.S. Constitution, and a restored Vietnam era A-7E Corsair jet aircraft, Other community events that he fostered include traveling exhibits from NASA and port visits by U.S.S. Halyburton (FFG-40) the tall ship Elissa, and historic replicas of the Golden Hinde, The Niña, and H.M.S. Bounty. His management of these successful events resulted in the museum's leadership in the Star-Spangled celebration, an annual Fourth of July tradition in Baton Rouge., Under his leadership, the museum became a place to honor veterans by telling the stories of their service and to educate the public about their sacrifices. As a result, the Kidd was voted attraction of the year and became recognized as the most accurately restored vessel in the historic fleet, and Baton Rouge was the top destination for military reunions in the nation., Maury served as president of both the Historic Naval Ships Association and the Louisiana Attractions Association. He also served on the board of directors for Visit Baton Rouge. His honors and awards include: Marketer of the Year by Sales and Marketing Executives International, Preservationist of the year by the Foundation for Historical Louisiana, The William J. Diffley Award and the Casper J. Knight Award from the Historic Naval Ships Association, and a lifetime achievement award from the Baton Rouge Area Hospitality and Sales Association., Maury inherited this museum project in its infancy stage with skill, passion, and integrity, he created a world-class museum. His dedication and tenacity in creating this legacy is greatly appreciated and will not be forgotten.