This week is National Volunteer Week, so we have two posts focused on London Town's amazing volunteers. Unfortunately, like everyone else, our volunteers aren't currently allowed onsite, so we miss them greatly.
Sign a Virtual Thank You Card to the Volunteers
Add a post to a virtual thank you card to our volunteers. You can just add a note, or you can include a photo or video.Add your thank you post here!
Volunteer Profile: Verne Oland
How do you volunteer at London Town?
I volunteer as a docent at the Brown House with occasional forays through the historic area.
How long have you been volunteering?
4-5 years
Why did you get started volunteering?
Several reasons: life-long interest in the history of the Americas; curiosity about the area where I now live and the Chesapeake region generally; a desire to use the the learning and communication skills developed over years of teaching; a desire to pass on accumulated information; and a wish to remain (somewhat) useful in old age.
What's your favorite thing about volunteering here?
Volunteering here is fun!! When there are people around, there is so much to learn--from both staff and visitors. And when there are no visitors? It's a serene space, to just "be".
With COVID-19, London Town sadly hasn't been able to have volunteers onsite. What do you miss the most about volunteering here?
Again, the interaction with people, the feeling of being useful and the sense of connection to the past.
Anything else you want to share?
I actually have a strong belief that knowledge of our complicated past can help us understand and deal with present situations-- and maybe help guide us to better times. Or not. But it's worth a try.
Volunteer Profile: Lynn Clark
How do you volunteer at London Town?
I volunteer in the William Brown House and the Historic Area. I also lead group tours, stuff envelopes, and help prepare for the Privateer Party [London Town's annual fundraiser].
How long have you been volunteering?
I started volunteering in the Spring of 2015? I think!
Why did you get started volunteering?
After I retired from teaching, I wanted to do something interesting, helpful and related to history, which I have always enjoyed, but which would allow me the time to help with grandchildren, travel, etc. I had not been to Historic London Town, even though I live in Edgewater. I saw in The Capital Gazettethat volunteers were needed and decided to check it out. It turned out to be a perfect opportunity, and here I am!
What's your favorite thing about volunteering here?
Some of my favorite things are the very dedicated staff and the way they interpret and present the history of London Town and the people who lived there. I think that children and adults can have a more realistic understanding of the history of our country if they can relate to the people of that time period: their everyday lives, their struggles, jobs, roles, and how they interacted with each other, how they lived and worked together.
I appreciate the new knowledge that is shared with us during workshops and volunteer refresher courses. The stories of the people of London Town are expanding, growing and sometimes changing, due to the research that is being done.
I enjoy sharing the stories with the visitors and interacting with them. I hope they learn from me, I learn from them also.
With COVID-19, London Town sadly hasn't been able to have volunteers onsite. What do you miss the most about volunteering here?
I miss being on site in the Spring, in the beautiful gardens and most of all the people.
Anything else you want to share?
Thank you to the staff for making volunteering at Historic London Town and Gardens a learning, enjoyable and interesting experience!
Thanks to Verne and Lynn for sharing their experiences! Learn more about volunteering at London Town at www.historiclondontown.org/volunteer.
In Thursday's volunteer appreciation post, discover some of the amazing projects volunteers have completed in the gardens - and get another chance to sign the virtual thank you card.