Edmund Southworth has been appointed as the new Director of Manx National Heritage. Edmund, who will take up his new post on 18th August 2009, is currently Director of Lancashire County Museum Service.
He said 'I am delighted to be offered this important position. Heritage is a key part of any community's identity and I feel honoured that people are willing to place their trust in me to preserve it for future generations'.
'Manx National Heritage occupies a unique place in the wider heritage sector and has a strong reputation locally and internationally.
'It is at the heart of the Island and I am looking forward to building on the success and strength of the organisation to deliver real cultural and economic benefits for the community'.
Edmund has been Director of Lancashire Museum Service since 2000.
Born in 1956, Edmund began his career as an archaeologist with Central Lancashire Development Corporation in 1977 and progressed in various Museum posts in Merseyside and Lancashire.
In his present post, he is in charge of 14 Museum and Heritage sites with over 240,000 visitors a year. He serves on the UK Heritage Lottery Fund Committee for the North West and founded the Lancashire Heritage Attractions Network working with Tourism partners.
Martin Moore, Chairman of Manx National Heritage said 'The appointment of Edmund as Director will build on the very successful developments of the work of Manx National Heritage for the Manx people and visitors to the Island.
'He brings a great deal of experience to the post. He holds a B.A. Hons. Degree in Archaeology and Ancient History and a M. Phil Research Degree in the use of Information Technology in Classical Archaeology so will make a valuable contribution to our current Manx Ancestry Centre which will open in 2010.
'Edmund has also been very active in developing partnerships with public services, private sector businesses and voluntary organisations.
'He understands the unique spread of activities and functions of MNH including the National Museum, the other MNH sites, the education service, the library and national archive, the Manx National Trust and is well equipped to continue the valuable liaison with Departments of the Manx Government to promote the Island'.
