Phyllis Mitchell was recently named the 2021 Volunteer of the Year for Keys History & Discovery Center. Mitchell has been a volunteer since the center’s inception in 2013 and was a significant participant volunteering in the past year following the museum’s reopening in June — often working two shifts a week.
“We are grateful for all of our volunteers,” said Bonnie Barnes, the center’s executive director. “Phyllis has been there for us since the beginning, filling shifts when no one else was available, and she sincerely deserved recognition for her years of support.”
She was surprised with the honor during an evening recognition event with other volunteers and members of the Florida Keys History & Discovery Foundation board of directors. She was presented with roses and a compass rose pendant.
Mitchell’s efforts are nothing short of remarkable, said Rich Russell, board chair.
“She is a founding board member and was one of our first “Charter Club” members. Phyllis has also been a lead contributor on a number of our museum initiatives. It would be impossible to overstate her significance to the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center. It would also be impossible to articulate how grateful we are for all her efforts,” he said
The History & Discovery Center is staffed primarily through the efforts of volunteers who serve as docents and greeters to guests. Volunteers enjoy sharing history and interacting with guests who frequently have their own stories to tell about time spent in the Keys.The center is seeking volunteers who have a special interest in the Upper Keys community and its unique history and ecology. Shifts are available Tuesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. To learn more about volunteering, submit a Volunteer Interest Form, available at keysdiscovery.com, or e-mail volunteer@keysdiscovery.com. For general or volunteer information, call 305-922-2237 or visit www.keysdiscovery.com.
