Directors
Michael Ruby
Michael was born in Rutland in April 1959 and raised in Fair Haven, VT by William and Norma (Hannah) Ruby.Over his 63 years Michael has explored what life has to offer from USAF Veteran, Treasure diver for Mel Fisher in the Florida Keys, entrepreneur and traveling the world.
With the opportunity of a lifetime, Michael became part of Mel Fishers’s “Golden Crew” in February 1986. The “Golden Crew” were divers who found the lower hull structure (main pile) of the Nuestra Senora de Atocha on July 1985. They continued to excavate the site and the treasure was displayed at the Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum in Key West, FL. The museum not only allowed patrons to see the treasure brought up from the watery grave, but it was an educational opportunity as well. This is where the idea formed for the museum in Poultney.
Rebecca Ruby
Rebecca was born in Cortland, NY in December 1958 and raised in Homer, NY by Laurence and Sheila (Harter) Comfort. Rebecca was in the industrial world for 30 years, selling bearing and power transmission items. She has also done some extensive travel and has more places to visit.
Janice B. Edwards
Janice is a life-long resident of Poultney, graduate of Poultney High School and graduate twice of Green Mountain College. She worked for the Village of Poultney, State of Vermont as well as in both the academic and manufacturing trades in the local slate valley. Nineteen years of employment in the Rutland County State’s Attorney’s Office nurtured her interests in research and writing which she began with her own family history. A published freelance writer, she enjoys promoting her local community, its history, Welsh heritage and good news stories. She enjoys helping others sort through their family histories, each being life’s jigsaw puzzles.