Robert Ballard is president of the Ocean Exploration Trust and director of the Center for Ocean Exploration, Graduate School of Oceanography, at the University of Rhode Island. Christina Brophy is Senior Director of Museum Galleries and Senior Vice President of Curatorial Affairs at the Mystic Seaport Museum. James T. Carlton is Professor of Marine Sciences Emeritus at Williams College. Helen M. Rozwadowski is professor of history and founder of the Maritime Studies program at the University of Connecticut, Avery Point. Nari Ward is a New York–based artist. Michael Harrison is chief curator and Obed Macy Research Chair at the Nantucket Historical Association.
