GARDNERS, PA (April 6, 2010) - Margy Schmidt of Cooke Township, Pennsylvania, has been named volunteer coordinator for Appalachian Trail Museum that will open in south central Pennsylvania on Saturday, June 5, 2010.
"Operation of the museum will be heavily dependent on volunteers who will serve as docents and volunteer greeters," said Larry Luxenberg, president of the Appalachian Trail Museum Society -- the not-for-profit organization that is establishing the Appalachian Trail Museum as the only museum in the United States dedicated to hiking. "Margy is coordinating the recruitment of volunteers and managing their schedules so the museum can be open from noon to 4 p.m. daily from June 5 to Labor Day and on weekends from noon to 4 p.m. from Labor Day to Oct. 31 plus Columbus Day. Of course, we will have extended hours during our grand opening weekend."
Schmidt is actively seeking volunteers to staff the museum over the summer. She said no experience is necessary and that there will be training prior to the museum's opening. Anyone interested should contact her at atmuseumgreeters@gmail.com or 717-486-4083.
"The Appalachian Trail Museum is a wonderful addition to our area. The trail itself is steeped in history, and there are as many exciting trail stories as there are people who have hiked it," Schmidt said, adding that thousands of people hike and maintain the trail each year. "We are expecting visitors from many states and many countries. Being a volunteer will be an interesting and rewarding experience. You will get to know the thru-hikers who will stop at the museum on their way from Maine to Georgia."
Schmidt also is a self-employed graphic designer who specializes in book production and management. Among the publishers with which she has worked over the years is Stackpole Books -- publishers of titles on hunting, fishing, nature and outdoor sports. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania.
A native of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, Schmidt lives in Michaux Forest near the museum, is an avid hiker and is familiar with local area history and the history of the Appalachian Trail. She is a member of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the Mountain Club of Maryland, the Michaux Forest Association and the Canoe Club of Greater Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. She and her husband maintain a section of the Appalachian Trail through Pine Grove Furnace State Park.
Located in Pine Grove Furnace State Park, the Appalachian Trail Museum is near the midway point of the 2,179 mile hiking trail that passes through 14 states. The museum's board of directors is working with volunteers nationwide, architects, display designers, historians and donors to renovate a 200-year-old grist mill that will house the Appalachian Trail Museum.
Information about how to support the Appalachian Trail Museum is available at www.atmuseum.org.
About the Appalachian Trail Museum Society
The Appalachian Trail Museum Society, a 501-C-3 not-for-profit organization formed in 2002, is organizing volunteers and fundraising nationwide to establish the Appalachian Trail Museum as a tribute to the thousands of men, women and families who have hiked and maintained the 2,179 mile long hiking trail that passes through 14 states from Maine to Georgia. The museum is located in the Pine Grove Furnace State Park in Gardners, Pennsylvania, approximately 15 miles west of Gettysburg. Additional information is available at www.atmuseum.org.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Joe Patterson
Communications Committee
Appalachian Trail Museum Society
717-823-7556
Joseph.Patterson@e-LYNXX.com
