Volunteers are the backbone of any museum, especially here at the Molly Brown House Museum.  Without them, we couldn’t do some of the amazing programming we offer here, including our Victorian Eating Experiences (VEE).  These range from our popular Holiday High Teas to Titanic Dinners to Mother’s Day Teas.  Many volunteers help us out with those programs and we talked to a couple of them below.  

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Table setting for a Titanic Dinner

Bobbie:

1. How long have you been volunteering with the VEE program?  I started with the VEE last February, but was a guide for two years in the early 1990’s.

2.  What made you decide to use your talents at Molly Brown?  In the mid 1970’s, while the house was undergoing restoration, I got to tour it.  I was captivated by the architecture,  what was involved in the restoration, and of course, Margaret’s story.   I became a guide in the early 90’s and always looked forward to being part of the VEE program and special events.

3.  What is your favorite thing about working with the VEE program?  The challenge of getting food prepared and served ….and making it all seem effortless; as well as the pleasure of working with the great VEE volunteers.

4.  What is your favorite thing to serve during the program?  I love the way the room looks when the tables are set, the food is plated and the guests are about to enter; it’s very elegant.  It’s always fun to serve tea.

5.  Do you have a story from an event that stands out in your mind? It is always fun to see the expressions on guests faces when they are on the landing at the second floor:  they look up and see a costumed maid announcing tea will be served.  It sets the tone for a wonderful, memorable experience for people to share.

6. What do you want people to remember about the legacy of Margaret Brown?  Her indomitable nature, curiosity, and generosity.

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Tea on the 3rd floor

Mary:

  1. How long have you been volunteering with the VEE program?  Since 12/94
  2. What made you decide to use your talents at Molly Brown?  Lois asked me to volunteer after a tea some friends arranged when my husband retired from the Air Force.  I said no but I’d help sometime if she ever got in a pinch.  When I got home from the tea the phone was ringing!
  3. What is your favorite thing about working with the VEE program?  Seeing how much guests enjoy the experience of a tea.
  4. What is your favorite thing to serve during the program?  Desserts
  5. Do you have a story from an event that stands out in your mind?  Yes, Vicki and I served a tea for a group of cross- dressers, and didn’t realize it until half way through the tea.  They were delightful guests…and at the time I remember wishing I had half their sense of style!
  6. What do you want people to remember about the legacy of Margaret Brown?  Despite the stories of her attempts to break into ‘society,’ she had a kind heart and did a lot of good in the community.
  7. Anything else you would like to share about your experiences at the museum? I’ve seen many staff changes, but the spirit of the house has always been maintained.