OCEAN ISLE MUSEUM FOUNDATION VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
The Ocean Isle Museum Foundation is always seeking new volunteers to assist at the Museum of Coastal Carolina and Ingram Planetarium. They are both wonderful facilities that provide educational and motivating programs and exhibits for all ages. The success of these two wonderful facilities is due in large part to the enthusiasm and dedication of over 100 volunteers who volunteer their time at the front desks, in the gift shops, and at the Museum’s Touch Tank. Volunteers also help with school group visits, conduct special programs, and help maintain exhibits, buildings, and landscaping.
The Museum of Coastal Carolina is always a delight for children and adults. We have several theme galleries and interactive exhibits. The touch tank has live urchins, sea stars, fish, and a giant horseshoe crab that everyone finds fascinating. The Green Swamp exhibit provides an intimate look at what animals roam in areas close by. Wander through the largest dry aquarium in the Southeast and see who you are swimming with. Shark jaws, loggerhead turtle exhibits, coastal birds, plus much more are featured – you won’t be disappointed. You can be a part of this great facility.
Ingram Planetarium offers a totally different experience but just as fascinating. Look to the sky and learn how far our universe extends and what is beyond. You will experience what it is like to fly through space and visit our planets plus much more. Laser shows with music to match are also a delight. The science hall offers hands-on activities. If the skies above are of interest to you, then this is where you need to be.
Volunteers are needed in many areas: Gift shops, Visitor Services, Touch Tank, Family Programs, and behind-the-scenes people. If you are interested in designing new exhibits, landscaping, secretarial work, planning special events, doing programs, lectures, cleaning, cooking, assisting with programs or events – we have a place for you!
This is a great opportunity to get out of the house, meet interesting people, and share your life experiences. For more information, call the Museum at 910-579-1016.
To download our volunteer application form, click here: VOLUNTEER-APPLICATION-2020.
2020 Annual Volunteer Awards Virtual Program
The Ocean Isle Museum Foundation (OIMF) held its annual Volunteer Awards Program on January 26, 2021 to honor people who have volunteered at the Museum of Coastal Carolina in Ocean Isle Beach and Ingram Planetarium in Sunset Beach. Normally, this event consists of a luncheon followed by an awards program. This year, due to Covid-19, the event was held virtually. OIMF’s Rookie of the Year Awards went to Ann Taylor (Planetarium) and Debra Foster (Museum). The Volunteer of the Year Awards went to Robin Wilson (Planetarium) and Veronica Quinn (Museum). The prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award went to Cindy Northrup. OIMF thanks these winners and all the other volunteers for their outstanding service.
Even though both facilities were closed for many months due to Covid-19, Executive Director Terry Bryant noted that volunteers donated 5,288 hours in 2020. She said: “Our volunteers are our lifesource and are invaluable in keeping our doors open to the public.” Jerry Rothenberg, OIMF’s Board of Trustees Chairman, added: “It takes no small amount of courage to volunteer in the face of all the uncertainties surrounding Covid-19. All the volunteers should get the OIMF ‘Badge of Courage’ for their outstanding work this year.”