New York City has appointed three city employees to be board members for the struggling nonprofit organization that runs the South Street Seaport Museum as the city works to find a steward to help operate the museum.

But the Department of Cultural Affairs said on Monday that the city had not formally taken control of the organization, which remains an independent nonprofit.

To maintain its standing as a nonprofit, the museum needs at least three board members, Danai Pointer, a department spokeswoman said.

Last month the Museum of the City of New York decided to pull out of running the institution, having deemed its current condition unworkable. The museum has been struggling with financial problems that were exacerbated by Hurricane Sandy.

“During this time our hope is that a successor steward will take responsibility for the museum’s mission and collection,” said Kate D. Levin, the cultural affairs commissioner.

Officials said the three employees serving temporarily as trustees had volunteered for the role. Two of them, Christie Huus and David Sheehan, were appointed on behalf of the mayor’s office. The third, Tracey Knuckles, was appointed on behalf of the cultural affairs commissioner.

The board, whose appointment was reported by The Wall Street Journal, then named Jonathan Boulware, the museum’s waterfront director, as an interim president who will oversee its operations and collections, including its historic ships.

The museum is hoping to find another entity to take over the organization. If no group comes forward, state officials will help determine whether to close the museum or disperse its collection.