MANTEO — Roanoke Island Festival Park and the Friends of Elizabeth II recognized volunteers at an awards banquet held on November 9. A total of 4312.8 hours of service were volunteered throughout the Park which included various venues. Ruth Poinsch and John Vang were given special recognition for their many years of service. Five volunteers recognized for most hours served include: Richard Romano, Education; Dotty Matlock, Museum Store & Education; Fran Campbell, Museum Store; George True, Volunteer Crew and top hours served Dwight Gregory, Parka & Volunteer crew.
Kim Sawyer, Executive Director of Roanoke Island Festival Park said “We are grateful to have volunteers that invest their time and talent to the Park and look forward to offering another Volunteer Orientation in March, 2013.”
Volunteer opportunities in the Education Department include:costumed interpreters – interpreting the English voyages as a 16th century character in period garb aboard the Elizabeth II, in the Settlement Site, and on the porch (acting as a park greeter) ; museum docent – interpreting in the American Indian Town and Roanoke Adventure Museum (blue shirt and khakis); school tour guide – assisting in the execution of school tours as a costumed interpreter or museum docent during the heavy spring and fall school tour season.
Volunteer aboard the Elizabeth II and participate as a member of the volunteer crew and learn how to sail a square rigger from tying knots to setting sail. Crew members can participate in monthly crew weekends and earn enough hours to participate in a training sail.
Museum store volunteers, which is managed by the Friends of Elizabeth II, will assist staff members in serving customers at the Museum Store.
Volunteers in the Program Department will be responsible for greeting guests at performances and handing out programs.
“The volunteer hours that I put in last year were very rewarding and enjoyable. The experience taught me a great deal of local history and lore; in addition, I met many visitors from all over the world” says volunteer Tom Filkins.
Come join us at Roanoke Island Festival Parkand help us foster and promote historic and cultural programs. For more information, contact Kathleen McLean by email or at (252) 475-1500, ext. 229.
Roanoke Island Festival Park is a unit of the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources. For more information on North Carolina arts, history and culture, visit Cultural Resources online.