Background
Wilkinson, William Durfee was born on September 2, 1924 in Utica, New York, United States. Son of Winfred Durfee and Edith (Lockwood) Wilkinson.
Wilkinson, William Durfee was born on September 2, 1924 in Utica, New York, United States. Son of Winfred Durfee and Edith (Lockwood) Wilkinson.
Bachelor of Science, Harvard University, 1949; postgraduate, Munson Institute American Maritime History, Mystic, Connecticut, 1961-1962.
Group insurance underwriter, Home Life Insurance Company. New York City, 1949-1959; administrator, marine curator, Museum City of New York, 1960-1963; registrar, Metropolitan Museum Art, New York City, 1963-1971; associate director, Mariners Museum, Newport News, Virginia, 1971-1973; director, Mariners Museum, Newport News, Virginia, 1973-1994; director emeritus, Mariners Museum, Newport News, Virginia, since 1994; retired, 1994.
Member Secretary of Navy Advisory Committee on Naval History, 1986-1988, 91-96, chairman 1991-1995. Member Executive Council International Congress Maritime Museum, 1989-1993. Board directors Council American Maritime Museum, 1975-1979, president, 1978-1979.
Board directors Museum Computer Network, Inc., 1972-1983, Association for Rescue at Sea, Inc., since 1977, Coast Guard Academy Foundation, Inc., 1981-1987, United States Life Saving Service Heritage Association, since 1995. With Corps of Engineers Army of the United States, 1943-1945. Member American Association Museum, National Trust History Preservation (maritime preservation committee 1978-1980), Explorers Club.
Married Dorothy May Spencer, April 2, 1966.