Patty and Steve Ward were Honored with Volunteer of the Year Award from the Georgia Association of Museums

Over 200 museum professionals recently descended upon Athens, Georgia, for the annual meeting of the Georgia Association of Museums (GAM). They arrived from all regions of the state, from Rome to Thomasville to Savannah. The theme of the 2024 conference was “Finding the Right Frequency: Museums and Communities in Harmony.” Attendees participated in a variety of sessions and workshops ranging from developing education programs to designing eye-catching exhibits and visiting with vendors whose products and services target the field. Many Athens-Clarke County museums and cultural institutions opened their doors to attendees for tours and events. The highlight of the week was the annual GAM Awards Luncheon. This year Steve & Patty Ward from the Euharlee Welcome Center and History Museum were presented the Volunteer of the Year award by GAM President Marcy Breffle and Award Committee Co-Chairs Melissa Swindell and Karin Dalton. “We are very pleased to present this award to very deserving recipients,” said GAM President Breffle. “Our members represent a good cross section of museums and cultural organizations in Georgia’s communities, large and small,” she added. “We are happy to honor institutions, staff members, volunteers, patrons, exhibits, and special projects that have excelled in providing inspiring programs and leadership,” she concluded. The Georgia Association of Museums (GAM) is a private, non-profit statewide organization dedicated to encouraging growth and improving professional practices of museums and non-profit galleries throughout the state. The annual conference is an opportunity for museum professionals, board members, volunteers, and supporters to share information and build relationships among museums and galleries throughout the state. The conference is hosted by a different community each year; next year’s conference will be in Milledgeville, Georgia. For more information on the Georgia Association of Museums visit www.gamuseums.org.

The city of Euharlee will also recognize the couple during the February Euharlee City Council Meeting.

Press Release