The Baltimore Museum of Industry was deeply saddened by the passing of former congresswoman and current BMI Trustee Helen Delich Bentley. A champion of both the museum and the local industries whose stories it tells, Helen exemplified the civic pride and commitment to community service that has come to define members of the "Greatest Generation."
Coupled with a close association to museum founder, former mayor William Donald Schaefer, Helen's lifelong interest in promoting Baltimore's industrial heritage made her a natural advocate for the BMI since its inception in the 1980s. In 2003, she joined the museum's Board of Trustees and quickly became one of its most active members. During her time as a trustee, Helen's contributions to the BMI were numerous and included chairing multiple board committees, skillfully guiding the museum through the transition between executive directors, and tirelessly promoting the museum among Maryland's most powerful economic and political leaders.
In 2010, Helen's efforts on behalf of both the BMI and the Port of Baltimore were recognized with the museum's presentation to her of the annual William Donald Schaefer Industrialist of the Year Award — not surprisingly, the award luncheon held in her honor proved to be one of the BMI's most successful fundraising events to date. Through her final days, Helen continued to play a key role in the BMI's fundraising and governance activities, and her unceasing efforts and leadership will be missed by those who knew her.
Anita Kassof, Baltimore
The writer is executive director of the Baltimore Museum of Industry.