Coupled with a close association to BMI founder Mayor William Donald Schaefer, Bentley’s lifelong interest in promoting Baltimore’s industrial heritage made her a natural advocate for the BMI. In 2003, she joined the museum’s Board of Trustees and quickly became one of its most active members.
During her time as a Trustee, Bentley’s contributions to the BMI were numerous and included chairing multiple Board committees, skillfully guiding the museum through the transition between executive directors, and tirelessly promoting the museum amongst Maryland’s most powerful economic and political leaders. She remained an active trustee until her death in 2016.