The Trust
Åland Maritime Museum is a charitable trust that manages and mediates Åland's maritime heritage, with reference to the present and to the future.
Our mission is to promote a greater understanding of maritime Åland by:
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maintaining and developing collections
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sharing knowledge of the tangible and intangible aspects
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encouraging and assisting research
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providing a forum for maritime activities and actors
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serving in local, regional and international contexts
The Trust runs the Åland Maritime Museum and the tall ship Pommern, Åland’s top two visitor attractions. The Maritime Museum is open all year and the Pommern from May through to September. The Trust has thirteen permanent staff and seasonal staff when needed. In addition, the Trust is fortunate to have a large volunteer corps that makes a vital contribution into many different areas.
The Trust’s board is made up of seven members, of which three are nominated by the Åland Nautical Club and four by the Government of Åland. Members sit on four-year terms.
A brief history
Our origins lie in the 1920s when Åland sea captain Carl Holmqvist started to collect nautical objects, realising the days of sailing ships were over. In 1935 he co-founded Åland Nautical Club with the aim of establishing a maritime museum for Åland. The museum building, designed by architect Jonas Cedercreutz, was completed in 1949 and five years later the Åland Maritime Museum opened to the public.
Through contributions from Åland seafarers and shipping companies the collections continued to grow. In 1986 Åland Nautical Club donated all museum objects, archives and the library to the newly formed trust Åland Maritime Museum.
An extension as well as comprehensive renovation of the original building commenced in the autumn of 2009. The museum re-opened on 26th April 2012. In March 2015 the Trust was entrusted full management of the historic tall ship Pommern, owned by the Town of Mariehamn. Major investments are currently being done to into preservation and public engagement.
The board 2020-2023
Jan Limnell, president
Titte Törnroth
Johan Dahlman
Allan Palmer
Carola Eklund
Tomas Fellman
Edvard Johansson
Staff
Hanna Hagmark, director
Anna Grönholm, keeper of collections
Heidi Viktorsson, head of interpretation and learning
Jesper Grönholm, curator Pommern
Sofia Mansnerus, curator (on maternity leave)
Caroline Lolax, curator
Sanna Karlsson, front of house
Julia Johansson, front of house
Jessica Falck, administrator
Emilia Wall, museum assistant
Madeleine Caldén, cleaner
Folke Mitts, technician
Jimmy Elfberg, technician
