Ernest Marriner is significant as a prominent historical figure in Waterville and the Kennebec Valley. His expertise as a historian is renowned. Marriner was affiliated with Colby for over 40 years. Graduating from Colby in 1913, he acted as librarian and professor of bibliography for six years and then taught English for 31 years. He was Dean of Men from 1929 to 1946, Dean of Faculty from 1946 to 1957, and college historian. Marriner was highly involved in the educational field beyond Colby as well, serving 25 years on the Board of Education of the State of Maine, 8 years as President of the New England College Admissions Board, and 15 years as Chairman of the Board at Thomas College in Waterville.