Former president of the Lady Denman Museum John Hatton said the name change had confused board members and the community and was done without consultation.

“The meeting also called upon the president [John Fergusson] to resign,” he said.

“The audience was confused by the handling of the name change, logo and colour scheme of what was previously the Lady Denman … it was to be presented at a special meeting, which only happened [on Wednesday].

“The audience didn’t have the opportunity [at the last special meeting held around October 2014] to put forward their views for and against.”

Mr Hatton said he wasn’t unhappy about the name change and was relieved he wasn’t asked to step up as president, but was after a written statement about certain issues.

“I indicated I would have an ongoing interest in matters of accountability and observe the constitution, among other things, at the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum,” he said.

“Only eight days before the meeting 26 members had been signed up to the board. On Wednesday there were 43 votes in favour and 39 against.

“What I’m seeking as a life member is accountability, openness and inclusiveness.”

Jervis Bay Maritime Museum president John Fergusson said he was disappointed by the call for him to resign.

“Differences in organisations arise from time to time but there are probably better ways to deal with them,” he said.

“The vice president and market co-ordinator and IT volunteers have resigned. I thank them for their service and look forward to introducing new people into those roles.

“We have much to do and look forward to embracing these challenges and making the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum a more vibrant and visited destination.”

Mr Fergusson said the final decision was for the museum to be named Jervis Bay Maritime Museum – Home of the Lady Denman.

“It was always the intention of the board to do this,” he said.

“This [the meeting] was a process. While entitled to be done, it was a challenging matter to deal with for myself and the majority of the board.”