Naval Museum's volunteers honored at Volunteer Luncheon

Photo By Max Lonzanida | Breena Darcy (left) is presented with a service award by John Pentangelo, Museum Director at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum during their Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon (US Navy Photo by Max Lonzanida/Released).  

VA, UNITED STATES

01.15.2019

Story by Max Lonzanida  

Naval History and Heritage Command

A sign on the door next to the Darcy Sink, the Volunteer Coordinator at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum (HRNM) reads simply “caretaker of magical creatures.” Throughout the week, the museum’s cadre of dedicated volunteers gather around the round table to talk about upcoming projects, share a few laughs, and many swap stories of their time in service. According to Sink “volunteers multiply the efforts of staff manifold and are essential to the execution of HRNM’s mission to honor, preserve and share the story of the United States Navy.” In 2018, the museum’s 129 volunteers augmented staff in numerous capacities; and on any given day at the museum, each contributed their own magic to make the museum and its collections come to life.

The magic that the volunteers contributed came to the spotlight at the museum’s volunteer appreciation luncheon on Monday, January 14, 2019. The luncheon at the Aberdeen Barn in Virginia Beach, was held in conjunction with the museum’s cooperating non-profit group, Hampton Roads Naval Historical Foundation (HRNHF). 66 volunteers, staff members and HRNHF board members were in attendance; and the mood was light as they converged on a reception area of the restaurant. John Pentangelo, the Museum’s Director provided some opening remarks and thanked the volunteers for their dedicated hours of service. This was echoed by some opening remarks by Ed Kellam, current President of the HRNHF. After a brief dedication by Deputy Education Director Elijah Palmer; volunteers converged on the buffet.

At the buffet, succulent prime rib along with hearty helpings of Virginia Baked Ham were served at the cutting board. Warm golden brown batter fried shrimp, chicken wings and fish awaited eager plates. Side dishes included warm mashed potatoes with brown gravy, hearty helpings of wild rice pilaf, and piping hot bread rolls and biscuits. A salad bar with made from scratch dressing, and pre-plated generous slices of strawberry, blueberry and chocolate cheesecake rounded out the buffet. And in quick order, those in attendance at the luncheon made quick and magical work of the buffet.

With empty plates in front of them and dessert thoroughly enjoyed twice over, Darcy Sink provided some cursory remarks to kick off the awards ceremony. Katherine Renfrew, the museum’s Registrar, talked about the roles that volunteers fill at their archives and special collections at their facility aboard Naval Station Norfolk. Thereafter, volunteers received certificates based on the cumulative hours they contributed, along with commemorative name tags symbolizing their hours of service. According to Sink:

“In 2018, 129 volunteers contributed over 8,700 hours to support the mission of the Hampton Roads Naval Museum. But beyond the tangibles and statistics, the appreciation luncheon allows us to acknowledge and reflect on the universe of talent, care and creativity that each individual brings to the table when sharing the greatest gift of all: their time.”

Hunt Lewis, one of the museum’s longest serving volunteers, received a commemorative certificate for his 10,500 hours of service. Lastly, Tom Dandes, the museum’s Special Events Coordinator, conducted a lottery for door prizes which were distributed and well received. The event concluded with some closing remarks, and everyone departed knowing that they contributed some of their magic which aided in bringing history to life at the Naval Museum and its collections.

About the Naval Museum:

The Hampton Roads Naval Museum is one of ten Navy museums that are operated by the Naval History & Heritage Command. It celebrates the long history of the U.S. Navy in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia and is co-located with Nauticus in downtown Norfolk, Virginia. Admission to the museum is free, simply by-pass the ticket line and take the stairs or elevator to the museum on the second deck. The museum hosts a robust educational program for area schools and commands, with free educational programs to area schools aligned with state curriculum standards, a travelling sea chest program, a premier Lego outreach program, and historical presentations for area commands. To inquire, contact their Educational Director, Laura Orr at [e-mail] or at [phone]. The museum is also host to a robust volunteer corps, who serve as docents, support special events, and assist in museum archives. To inquire, contact their Volunteer Coordinator, Darcy Sink at [e-mail] or at [phone]. Lastly the museum proudly hosts military ceremonies, such as re-enlistments, retirements, and promotions for area commands aboard the U.S.S Wisconsin and in the museum’s gallery. To inquire, contact their special events coordinator, Tom Dandes at [e-mail] or call [phone]. More information about the museum can be found at https://www.facebook.com/HRNavalMuseum/

About the Hampton Roads Naval Historical Foundation:

The Hampton Roads Naval Historical Foundation (HRNHF) is a non-profit Virginia Corporation incorporated in 1983 to assist in the collection and preservation of antiques relating to the United States Navy, primarily concerning the Hampton Roads area and its immediate surroundings. The foundation cooperates with and supports the United States Navy in providing support to the Hampton Roads Naval Museum. More information about HRNHF can be found at https://hrnhf.org/

• Date Taken: 01.15.2019
• Date Posted: 01.15.2019 13:38
• Story ID: 307110
• Location: VA, US