Former Maryland congresswoman Helen Delich Bentley passed away over the weekend at the age of 92. According to the Baltimore Sun, "she had a long and varied career that took her from The Baltimore Sun newsroom to the Federal Maritime Commission to the U.S. House of Representatives. She ran for governor in 1994 but lost in the Republican primary."
"Congresswoman Bentley worked with tenacity, energy, and passion on behalf of her constituents, making her a rare breed in politics and a role model to public servants across Maryland," Gov. Larry Hogan, also a Republican, said Saturday. "She was a trailblazer for women in media and government, a longtime champion for manufacturing, maritime issues, and the Port of Baltimore which proudly bears her name as an everlasting tribute to her achievements."
Throughout her life, Mrs. Bentley worked tirelessly to preserve and promote the Port of Baltimore, the U.S. maritime industry, and American manufacturing. In 1945 she began reporting on the Port of Baltimore for the Baltimore Sun. In 1950 she launched a television show called "The Port that Built the City and State." In 1968 she was appointed chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission under President Nixon. In 1984 she began her career in Congress fighting for, among other things, legislation that allowed Baltimore Harbor to be dredged.
Bentley also advocated for the preservation of World War II-era Liberty Ship SS John W. Brown, built in 1942. When the ship arrived in Baltimore in 1998, she was the first person up the gangway.
But one of the most meaningful moments of her career came in 2006, when former Governor Ehrlich renamed the Port of Baltimore in her honor as part of its 300th anniversary celebration. For more on Helen Delich Bentley, click to baltimoresun.com.
Monday, August 8, 2016 - 10:03
Former Maryland congresswoman Helen Delich Bentley passed away over the weekend at the age of 92. According to the Baltimore Sun, "she had a long and varied career that took her from The Baltimore Sun newsroom to the Federal Maritime Commission to the U.S. House of Representatives. She ran for governor in 1994 but lost in the Republican primary."
"Congresswoman Bentley worked with tenacity, energy, and passion on behalf of her constituents, making her a rare breed in politics and a role model to public servants across Maryland," Gov. Larry Hogan, also a Republican, said Saturday. "She was a trailblazer for women in media and government, a longtime champion for manufacturing, maritime issues, and the Port of Baltimore which proudly bears her name as an everlasting tribute to her achievements."
Throughout her life, Mrs. Bentley worked tirelessly to preserve and promote the Port of Baltimore, the U.S. maritime industry, and American manufacturing. In 1945 she began reporting on the Port of Baltimore for the Baltimore Sun. In 1950 she launched a television show called "The Port that Built the City and State." In 1968 she was appointed chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission under President Nixon. In 1984 she began her career in Congress fighting for, among other things, legislation that allowed Baltimore Harbor to be dredged.
Bentley also advocated for the preservation of World War II-era Liberty Ship SS John W. Brown, built in 1942. When the ship arrived in Baltimore in 1998, she was the first person up the gangway.
But one of the most meaningful moments of her career came in 2006, when former Governor Ehrlich renamed the Port of Baltimore in her honor as part of its 300th anniversary celebration. For more on Helen Delich Bentley, click to baltimoresun.com.