If you visit the NC Maritime Museum Southport on a Wednesday Morning , you will be greeted by Mr. Sam Lytle. 

What motivated you to start volunteering at the Maritime Museum?

The history it represents was a very strong motivation for me because I want to share that history with other people.

 

How long have you been with us and where did you originate from?

I have been with the museum for three years.  After my wife and I retired, we moved down to Southport from Raleigh.

 

What is the single greatest contribution this museum brings to the community?  It brings an opportunity for the community to share in the maritime history of the Cape Fear Region.

 

What does the staff here excel at?  The staff is very welcoming to everyone who visits the museum.  Each staff member specializes in an area of expertise of interest to them and they love to share that knowledge with the patrons.  So because of their enthusiasm for the museum, patrons feel right at home as they enjoy a wonderful experience.

 

What are your hobbies?  I enjoy travelling with my wife Becky.  I enjoy yard work and I enjoy reading historical books, especially biographies.

 

List three adjectives to describe yourself  Inquisitive, focused, and caring.

 

What are you currently reading?  The Shadow of War, a novel about the Cuban missile crisis.

 

What is an accomplishment you are really proud of?  Co-inventor of a product that was patented (my name is on that patent) when I was a mechanical design engineer for a telecommunications company.

 

How did you find out about volunteering at the museum?  The previous manager of the museum, Lori Sanderlin, invited me to consider being a docent.  I attended one of her tours of the museum, and "the rest is history"!. 

 

What qualities does a good museum volunteer possess?  Attention to detail is important. friendliness to all who attend, whether an adult or child, and a willingness to go the extra mile.

 

The Cape Fear area is loaded with history.  If we could add something additional to the Maritime Museum to focus on as an exhibit, what would you choose?  I would like to see an exhibit on Fort Caswell and its role during war time.

 

What Maritime Museum offering excites you the most?  Helping children who get stuck finishing their scavenger hunt.  I enjoy taking them to the item they are looking for and giving then hints so that they can find it.  After that, I take them to the treasure chest where they select their prize. 

 

 

Volunteering at the Maritime Museum is a great way to meet new people, learn new skills, and make a difference in your community.   Volunteering doesn’t have to involve a long-term commitment or take a huge amount of time out of your busy day.  Our volunteers commit to a few hours each week, bringing their talents and time to share our maritime history.