I HAVE WORKED at Chieftains Museum for 12 years. I have loved sharing the story of the Cherokee and the Ridge family and getting to meet all the people I have. On Nov. 2 I was told that there were no funds to hire a new director and to continue to pay me, so that was my last day there. I did not have the luxury to let people know I would no longer be there. I would like to get to say thank you to those people I never got to tell.

Thank you to all three directors that were there while I was: Chuck Douglas, Carey Tilley and Claudia Oakes. Thanks for having the faith in me to let me create events, exhibits and programs and for believing in my skill Thank you to Ansley Saville, who during that first year that I had no director, had undying faith in me and let me create school programs, summer camp, events and let me conduct tours in the way I wanted. I also want to thank board members who never failed to tell me they appreciated what I did or to help me when I needed it: Nancy Starr, Jody Selman Nancy Knight, Francis Davis, Barbara Tripplet, Nan Henson and the late Jo Heyman. These gracious ladies always let me know they appreciated what I did.

Thanks to the Rome News-Tribune and the radio stations, the Rome Convention and Visitors Bureau and anyone else who helped get my publicity out. Without your help, so many would not have known what was going on in that special old house by the river.

I especially want to thank my volunteers, without you, none of it could have happened. Storytellers, musicians, demonstrators, ghost investigators, speakers, those who helped with school groups, events and in the gift shop. These people shared their skills, talents and time, and never received a penny. I wish I could name you all, but I know I can’t. Just know you are loved. I think I will name two.. my poor children, Quentin and Mollie, who helped me when there was no one else.

Thanks to all who came in, from the wide eyed school child to the folks who have “lived in Rome all my life, but just came in today,” to those who came in for our events and programs. I hope that you enjoyed your visit as much as I enjoyed your being there.

It’s sad to leave a place that you love, one that has become a part of you, but sadder to leave without getting to say thank you and good bye. I will miss you and I do thank you all.