AT Museum Volunteer Newsletter - May 2016

May 2016
brought to you by Joe Harold, Appalachian Trail Museum Manager

The Museum has been open for more than a month now and the numbers have been pretty impressive.  There are still some slow days, which will continue until the schools let out, but each day seems to have an interesting mix of visitors.  

Thanks to all of you for your help.  It is certainly appreciated.

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Big Weekend Coming up for the Museum 

The first weekend in June when National Trails Day is celebrated, has always been a busy time for the Museum.  This year will be no different and the significance of this year's events will be great.  

On Friday, June 3rd at 6 pm, we will assemble at the Allenberry Resort to induct four honorees who have made significant impacts to the Trail and Trail Culture.  Among them will be our own A.T. Museum Society President, Larry Luxenberg.  You can read about all the inductees on the News page of the website.  Buy your tickets here.

On Saturday, June 4th, the excitement continues with the Grand Opening of our new lower level Children's Area that has been in the works for several months.  The ribbon cutting and dedication will take place at 10 am.  After that we will have a Children's Festival with music, story telling, Leave No Trace activities, a survival lesson, a Nature Scavenger Hunt, a make your own Trail Mix table and more.

Bring your kids, tell your fiends and come to the A.T. Museum to help us celebrate.

The Volunteer Picnic will also take place on Saturday for all prior, present and aspiring volunteers at the museum.  We will try to feed all comers, as we show our appreciation for our volunteers and welcome any interested parties who want to help the Museum.

You can sign up to help with the Festival and Cookout here.
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Ramps and Trees and Exhibits, Oh My 

There has been a flurry of activity going on around the Museum inside and out.  The ramp looks closer to completion every day and the new trees look comfortable in their new homes.  The exhibits are scheduled to start going into the basement on Thursday in preparation for the grand opening and work continues on the renovations/restorations on every floor of the old Grist Mill.  

Ramp progress (this is a couple of weeks ago)

Work crew installs White Pine

The A.T. Museum is due to blossom like a flower over the next year or so.  Stay tuned.  

The reading hut area

Trees in their new home

Ramp decking going in

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Movie Screen Plays to Full House 

Our May 1st screening of the wonderful film: Trail Magic.  The true story of Emma "Grandma" Gatewood was a success.  The lower level was standing room only as we were able to welcome director Peter Houston who introduced the film and answered questions from the visitors.  Everyone appeared to have enjoyed the story about one of our Hall of Fame inductees.  We do have a copy of the film and will be showing it from time to time on the TV screen in the Hiker Lounge.

Director Peter Houston introduces film to a full house

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Sunday Public Programs 

After a couple early presentations, our annual Sunday Public Programs are scheduled to begin on June 5th and will continue throughout the summer.  You can get more information about each of the programs by going to our Public Programs page.  We still have some open slots later in the season.  If you have a program you want to present or maybe know of a program that might be a good fit with the Museum, let us know.  
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Another Sad Passing 

The A.T. world has lost another legendary personality.  On May 4th, Leonard Adam "Baltimore Jack" Tarlin, passed away suddenly from congestive heart failure.  "Jack" had become a constant fixture all along the trail, offering advice and stories to all who hiked by.  His absence will be felt from Springer to Katahdin.  

"Baltimore Jack" carved by Tom Logsdon

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Things Coming Down the Trail

June 3rd, 2016 - Sixth Annual Appalachian Trail Hall of Fame Banquet
June 4th, 2016 - A.T. Museum Children's Festival - National Trails Day
June 5th, 2016 - Program: With Pickaxes, Rakes, and Shovels: A Pictorial History of the AT in WV, MD and PA.
June 12th, 2016 - Program: Lyme Disease Prevention
June 13th, 2016 - Road Scholar Hike
June 19th, 2016 - Program: Drag'N Fly and Freckles
June 27th, 2016 - Road Scholar Hike
July 3rd, 2016 - Program: Hiker Picnic and Stories
July 10th, 2016 - Program: Wild Edibles

Larry the snake enjoys the sun while it lasted