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A Few of our Front Desk Folks
Ask anyone around what it takes to keep the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center on its feet and it is very possible you will get
the answer, “the volunteers!” Whether it be cooking delicious meals or keeping the place tidy, with the help of over 300 hardworking and devoted
individual’s, the museum is able to “keep the doors open and the programs going strong” year after year.
Our volunteers come from a variety of areas and backgrounds to form a unique and diverse family. We have everyone, from the “locals,” whose
love of Down East and the Core Sound brought them here to protect the communities and keep their traditions alive, to the “dingbatters,” whose fascination
with this way of life compelled them to become a part of the preservation effort. These front desk greeters are likely the first and last people
you will encounter on your journey through the museum.
In recognition of the museum’s 25th anniversary, here are a few of the individuals who keep the museum doors open with a heartfelt welcome.
Alexandria Golden, UNCW Intern
Margaret Daniels
Margaret Daniels began working as a
volunteer in 2009 after she attended the Core
Sound’s annual volunteer Oyster Roast with
a friend, who was one of the many volunteers
being acknowledged. The roast
was held in the education center
of the museum, and being one
of the museum’s most successful
events, there was plenty going
on. While enjoying the spoils of
a good Down East oyster roast,
Margaret witnessed the hustle and bustle of
those involved and signed up to volunteer then
and there.
At the time, the second floor and tower
were still being finished and were not open to
the public. She became a greeter and began
working at the front desk. This was a special job
because she was one of the first people to help
tell visitors about the newly finished exhibits.
She recounts the first time she witnessed the
second floor exhibit for herself, explaining how
blown away she was by saying, “Oh my God,
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I cannot believe this is Down East.” Traveling
through each of the representative communities
made her love for the museum and its purpose
grow even stronger.
Margaret explains that it was through the
passion of those who work at the museum that
she became so passionate about the work she
does. She states, “This museum made me realize
how proud I am to be from Down East.” The
more she learns about the area and where she
comes from, the more she loves it. Margaret has
become an integral part of the museum and
a noticeable figure at the front desk. She has
the pleasure of watching people as they enter
through the front door and likes to ask each
and everyone of them where they are from and
how they got here; she then proudly tells them
the same.
Ms. Daniels has high hopes for the future
of the museum and beyond. It is her wish that
all people in the Down East communities will
be proud of the museum and what it stands for.
“It’s not just a building on Harkers Island, it represents
all of the communities.” She also hopes
that the future staff will always love Down East
as much as those who currently work to make
the museum all that it is.
Donal Barbee
Donal Barbee, from Maysville, North Carolina,
has lived in the area for the last 15 years;
though, this is not his first time residing in
Carteret County. Barbee lived
here during the 1960’s, but had
to relocate due to work obligations.
After his retirement, he
made the trip back down the
road, and now lives here permanently.
Accustomed to the busy
life of general management and then military
service, he found that he wanted to volunteer
somewhere where he could help out. He found
just what he was looking for at the Core Sound
Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center.
He loves decoys and the history behind
each one. He enjoys being able to walk around