Fort Ticonderoga recently held its annual Volunteer Reception to thank volunteers and recognize volunteer leadership. Bonnie Sheeley of Putnam, New York, received the 2017 Fort Ticonderoga Volunteer of the Year award for her dedicated service working with a variety of museum departments throughout the year. A number of other awards were presented to volunteers during the reception, celebrating volunteers’ creative skills and dedication. Fort Ticonderoga volunteers have given nearly 10,000 hours so far in 2017 in areas including public history, administration, special events, horticulture, education, development, collections management, and buildings and grounds.
“Bonnie’s support and assistance at Fort Ticonderoga has had a substantial impact on our organization,” said Beth Hill, President and CEO. “Her enthusiasm for Fort Ticonderoga’s mission and programs is contagious. Her willingness to always lend a hand, provide support, and share her talents has made her an invaluable part of our Fort Ticonderoga family. She has given more than 190 volunteer hours (Diamond level volunteer) so far in 2017.”
Other volunteer recognition:
Lifeguard Award Long-time volunteer and supporter Jim Casco of Middletown Springs, Vermont, for his service in the role of safety officer during Fort Ticonderoga’s many reenactments. Jim also shares his time and talent in gun making demonstrations.
Going the Extra Mile Members of the Ticonderoga High School Cross Country Team and Coach Jay Wells for their assistance with parking during our Brown’s Raid Reenactment. Go team!
Million Stiches Award Catie LeCours for her work in our Historic Trades program making beautiful women’s clothing for staff and volunteers.
Young (at heart) Patriot Award Linda Toner for her participation in developing the new Young Patriot Membership program.
Broken Plate Award Frank Schlamp for his unwavering support in museum collections including his skill and expertise at documenting, re-assembling, and preserving Fort Ticonderoga’s Pavilion ceramics and glass collections. Frank is also our only Triple Diamond volunteer with more than 500 hours of volunteer service so far in 2017!
Shutter Bug Plus Janet Denny is invaluable with her willingness to help at every event and she takes beautiful photos of the events and shares them with us!
Book Worm Award Shelby Spaulding for her commitment to cataloging the library collections to make it accessible for staff, researchers, and students.
Long Haul Award Al Nunes for traveling over hill and dale from Wilmot, New Hampshire, to help make the King’s Garden beautiful for our visitors.
New volunteers are welcome to apply to our Volunteers Count! Program. Information and applications are available at www.fortticonderoga.org or by calling 518-585-2821. Volunteers who reach 10 hours of service receive free annual attendance and other special benefits.
America’s Fort is a registered trademark of the Fort Ticonderoga Association.
Photo: Left Bonnie Sheeley, Fort Ticonderoga Volunteer of the Year Recipient; Right Beth Hill, Fort Ticonderoga President and CEO.