Fort Ticonderoga recently held its annual Volunteer Reception to honor volunteers and recognize volunteer leadership and dedication.
“The incredible work to serve our mission of preservation and education here at Fort Ticonderoga simply couldn’t happen without our cadre of dedicated volunteers,” said Beth L. Hill, Fort Ticonderoga President and CEO. “Our volunteers are an inspiration to staff with their commitment and hard work in many aspects of what we do as an organization. From transcribing documents, to tending the King’s Garden, and delivering educational programs from coast-to-coast, we are honored to recognize these volunteers. Their spirit of service helps Fort Ticonderoga continue to tell the stories of those that served at Ticonderoga for generations to come.”
A number of awards were presented during the reception which celebrated the volunteers’ creative skills and commitment to Fort Ticonderoga:
- Al Nunes is the recipient of the “Virtually Perfect” award acknowledging his dedicated support of online K-12 programming. Already clocking in over 65 hours of Volunteer time by June of this year, he works tirelessly to bring out the best in educational programs and make sure that every student has an enriching virtual experience!
- Betty Rettig is the recipient of the “Fabulous Florals” award acknowledging her remarkable gift to bring joy to so many visitors through her stunning floral arrangements. Each week, Betty crafts the colorful blooms of the King’s Garden into beautiful florals that she delivers to brighten all corners of Fort Ticonderoga!
- Bonnie Sheeley is the recipient of the “Extra Mile” award acknowledging her efforts to literally go the extra mile! Whether retrieving out of town supplies or walking the grounds to support safe & orderly parking, she is on it. Bonnie has been an invaluable pair of boots-on-the-ground in the King’s Garden, at the Garden Symposium, the War College, and there is still more to come from this tireless volunteer!
- Charles “Chip” Koehler is the recipient of the “Best Brick” award acknowledging his relentless pursuit of excellence in King’s Garden! From spring to fall, the grasses find their way into every crack & crevice of the historic brick paths and carefully groomed flower beds. But Chip never gives up the fight, holding back the siege of invaders and ensuring the beautifully curated paths that delight Fort Ticonderoga visitors.
- Charlie Mitchell is the recipient of the “For the Duration of the War” award in recognition of his stalwart participation in living history programs at Fort Ticonderoga. Right through the pandemic to today, Charlie eagerly helps with all living history programs. From soldiers’ mess to boat building, he makes time to engage visitors with the great stories of the French & Indian War and Revolutionary War.
- Timothy Short is the recipient of the “Ride to the Rescue” award for his vital role as Calvary member during our Living History events. Visitors enjoy the knowledge and passion that he shares about being part of history coming to life at Fort Ticonderoga! A volunteer of uncommon valor and fine horsemanship, we salute the efforts of this outstanding volunteer.
Volunteers assist in a wide-ranging number of activities that include public history, administration, special events, horticulture, education, development, collections management, and buildings and grounds. New volunteers are welcome to join our Volunteers Count! Program. Information is 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.
About Fort Ticonderoga:
Welcoming visitors since 1909, Fort Ticonderoga preserves North America’s largest 18th-century artillery collection, 2,000 acres of historic landscape on Lake Champlain, the Carillon Battlefield, and the largest series of untouched Revolutionary War era earthworks surviving in America. As a multi-day destination and the premier place to learn more about our nation’s earliest years and America’s military heritage, Fort Ticonderoga engages more than 75,000 visitors each year with an economic impact of more than $12 million annually and offers programs, historic interpretation, boat cruises, tours, demonstrations, and exhibits throughout the year, and is open for daily visitation May through October. Tickets are buy-one-day get the next day FREE. Fort Ticonderoga is supported in part through generous donations and with some general operating support made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts. © The Fort Ticonderoga Association. 2022 All Rights Reserved.
Photo: Photo credit Carl Heilman II, copyright Fort Ticonderoga.