A new director has taken over the helm of the Gwynn’s Island Museum, but said he has some big shoes to fill following the retirement of longtime director Jean Tanner. The museum will officially open for the 2015 season next Friday, April 3, at 1 p.m.

Gwynn’s Island resident Tom Edwards took over for Tanner, who has worked for more than 25 years to preserve and display the history of the island that she calls home.

“It was with great reluctance that I decided to retire as director of the Gwynn’s Island Museum,” Tanner said. “After 24 years, and having reached the age of 86, as much as I love the work that I do for the museum, I knew it was time to turn it over to someone younger who is just as enthusiastic about preserving the island’s history.”

Tanner said she had the opportunity to work closely with Edwards during the recent expansion of the museum while he served as president of the Gwynn’s Island Civic League. “Seeing To...