EDITORIAL

We believe in giving credit when credit is due. In this case, we’d like

to give credit -- and wish a fond farewell -- to Shelli Smith, who for

the past three years served as director of the Newport Harbor Nautical

Museum.

In addition to helping the museum grow into its quarters on the Rubin E.

Lee, Smith was instrumental in getting the HMS Bark Endeavour to throw

anchor in Newport Harbor in April. It gave locals an opportunity to see

what life on the high seas was like during the 18th century. It was a

wonderful exhibit -- one that brought a certain wonder and excitement to

the harbor.

The words may come a few months late. It’s like dropping that “thank you”

note to a friend for sharing a nice dinner -- it’s something you know you

should do, but you figure you’ll see him soon anyway.

The difference here is that we won’t be seeing Smith at the museum

anymore.

We learned of her departure last week. We were told she was asked to step

down, and little explanation followed. Museum officials simply said they

would like the museum to take a new, more exciting direction. They also

said they were confident Smith won’t have any problem finding a post at

another museum.

We applaud any attempt to continue improving the museum. And from the

little that officials have said of their plans, they do sound exciting --

more interaction, “more sounds.” They want a museum that will draw large

crowds and lots of money from donors.

“We’ve got to join the 21st century,” said Dave Grant, the museum board

president.

We understand that it takes a bold leader to blaze a new trail. We’re

sorry to see Smith go, but we wish the museum board luck in finding the

right person for the job.