Searching for a new hobby to become more active in the Tifton community and an opportunity to share local history?  The Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Georgia Museum of Agriculture and Historic Village is seeking interested individuals to join its team of volunteers.

Lynn McDonald, volunteer coordinator, said the Museum needs volunteers during the week and on Saturday.

“We are willing to work with your schedule,” McDonald said. “An interested person can volunteer once for a couple hours or several days of the week.”

Volunteers obtain recognition at the annual Volunteer Appreciation Celebration, earn extra passes to the Museum for family and friends, receive 10 percent savings at the Country Store, access previews of new exhibits, and attend game night and special educational events.

“In addition to the benefits we offer our volunteers, several medical institutions including Harvard have conducted research that supports the theory that volunteering has significant health benefits,” McDonald said.

McDonald said the recent Volunteer Appreciation Celebration followed a super hero theme.  Attendees participated by wearing super hero masks for photos.  Ashley Jensen, an ABAC student worker, created center pieces with various super heroes from Marvel and DC comics.

“We hold the dinner to show gratitude for the many hours of hard work by the Museum’s volunteers,” McDonald said.  “In addition to the food and fellowship, we had a slide show with pictures from the past year.”

Museum staff members try to match volunteers with an area of interest to them. Andy Dekle volunteered over 850 hours in 2017 growing a kitchen garden at the Cravey House and helping with the operation of the steam train. Nelda Krieg devoted over 600 hours greeting guests three days a week and spending Thursday mornings with the Wiregrass Crafters Circle. Dr. Leon Benefield, who recently retired from being the long-time Santa Claus, brought joy to children each year at the North Pole Express.

“We want to make volunteering fun for those offering up their time to our community,” McDonald said.

“Without the help of our volunteers we would not be able to do our job. They are a huge asset to our team at the Museum.”