Maritime museum welcomes leader

HOMEWOOD — Truckee resident Bill Kraus will take the helm of the Tahoe Maritime Museum in the middle of the organization’s most aggressive period of growth.

Kraus, a trustee for the Tahoe-Truckee Unified School District, will oversee the day-to-day operations of the museum as it moves into a new 5,800-square-foot building in Homewood.

The new building replaces the museum’s previous home — an old motel that was too cramped to hold the organization’s wealth of maritime exhibits.

“Bill’s professional background and dedication to the Lake Tahoe community are significant assets to the Tahoe Maritime Museum,” said Tom Bredt, president of the Tahoe Maritime Museum board of directors. “We are fortunate to bring him aboard and welcome his energy and intellect.”

Kraus has experience in research, communications, branding, campaign organization and management for both for-profit and nonprofit entities. He cofounded a successful software company and has spearheaded innovative research for the University of California and NASA. He has also served on the Truckee Airport Community Advisory Team, and has volunteered at numerous community organizations including the KidZone Museum, the Truckee Family Club, AYSO Soccer and the elementary schools’ art docent program.

Kraus is also a novice sailor, sailing his 22-foot sloop on Lake Tahoe whenever he gets the opportunity. Kraus said he was delighted to join the museum.

“With its visionary board, exceptionally talented staff, strongly supportive membership base, and world-class collection of artifacts, the museum serves as a significant cultural and educational asset for our community,” Kraus said.

About the Museum The Tahoe Maritime Museum works to preserve and share Tahoe’s rich maritime history. The organization has been strongly committed to providing a family-friendly environment. The new museum features a dedicated area for youth activities and hands-on projects, a community room, library, welcoming porch and variety of public events including social gatherings and lectures. Founded in 1987, the museum is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization located on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe in Homewood, and currently has approximately 550 member families. For more information, call 582-9273 or visit www.TahoeMaritimeMuseum.org.