Are you into crafts? Do you have a "green thumb?" Are you musically inclined? Do you like helping children learn?
If you answered "yes" to any of these questions and have a few hours of free time each month, Mountain Gateway Museum (MGM) in Old Fort would like to invite you to become a member of its new volunteer corps, the "FILM (Fun In Learning and Making) Crew."
As a MGM volunteer, you can meet people from around the world who come here to visit western North Carolina's mountains. You can learn about Southern antiques, research the region's history, help develop an exhibit, read a story to a child, share your gardening skills, teach a craft class, showcase your musical talent, lead a nature walk or assist with a special event, such as the museum's annual "Pioneer Day" or "Railroad Day." The opportunities are endless, and your ideas and your assistance are welcome.
Anyone interested in becoming a member of MGM's "FILM Crew" is invited to attend a drop-in reception from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, March 12, at Mountain Gateway Museum, 24 Water Street in Old Fort. You can fill out a short application form, pick up more information about volunteer opportunities and get acquainted with other volunteers.
For more information, contact either museum director RoAnn Bishop at 828-668-9259 or roann.bishop@ncdcr.gov, or museum specialist Brittany Bennett at 828-668-4591 orbrittany.bennett@ncdcr.gov.
As part of its education outreach mission, MGM assists non-profit museums and historic sites in 39 western North Carolina counties with exhibit development and fabrication, genealogical research, photography archives, traveling exhibitions and consultations.
Mountain Gateway Museum is the westernmost facility in the North Carolina Department of Natural & Cultural Resources' Division of State History Museums. Nestled at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains along the banks of historic Mill Creek in downtown Old Fort (McDowell County), MGM uses artifacts, exhibitions, educational programs, living history demonstrations and special events to teach people about the rich history and cultural heritage of the state's mountain region, from its original inhabitants through early settlement and into the 20th century.
Mountain Gateway Museum is open year round, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. on Monday and 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free.