Training sessions begin Feb. 20 for volunteers and potential volunteers at the Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Georgia Museum of Agriculture and Historic Village.  Museum Volunteer Coordinator Lynn McDonald said the training sessions will be offered on both weekdays and weekends and will consist of a site tour and an interpretation lesson.

The weekday site tour will take place on Feb. 20 from 10 a.m.-noon, and the interpretation session will follow on Feb. 27 from 1-2:30 p.m. The weekend session will be on Feb. 23 from 10 a.m.-noon followed by the interpretation session on March 2 from 10-11:30 a.m.

Volunteers will receive a full site tour with the goal of becoming familiar with the entire Historic Village while also observing interpreters in action. The second part of the training focuses on how to interpret.  All the training sessions will be led by Gina Beckman, Historic Area Supervisor for the Museum

“These sessions are in response to the request for additional training by our current volunteers,” McDonald said.  “The training will give an overview of the entire Historic Village, and the interpretation information will be applicable to all the areas. These classes will be a great start for someone who is considering becoming a volunteer.  Gina is an excellent teacher, and we are excited to have her spend time with the volunteers.”

Beckman is a Certified Interpretive Guide with a bachelor’s degree in natural resources management with a focus in park administration. She has experience in parks in both Louisiana and Tennessee.

McDonald said all of the training session are free of charge and will be held in the East Conference Room of the Main Exhibit Hall at the Museum.  Those planning to attend the training sessions should contact McDonald ahead of time by email at [email protected]  or at (229) 391-5223.