William White Quits Intrepid Museum

William White, the openly gay president of NYC's massive Intrepid Sea Air & Space Museum, abruptly quit today after 20 years on the job. And nobody is saying why.

Mr. White quit his positions at the floating museum on the Hudson and the foundation that operates it, as well as his roles with two charitable organizations that raise money to help injured servicemen — the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund and the Intrepid Relief Fund. The resignation occurred at a meeting of the foundation’s board just days before Fleet Week, the annual influx of sailors that centers on the Intrepid. Neither the foundation’s spokesman, Howard J. Rubenstein, nor a spokesman for Mr. White would explain what had led to his departure after 20 years at the Intrepid. Mr. White could not immediately be reached for comment by phone or e-mail.

In December 2008 White was a contender for appointment to Secretary of the Navy. More recently he made the news for his campaign to have a retired space shuttle installed as part of the Intrepid's permanent Manhattan collection.