I was in Elizabeth City last weekend for the wonderful event at Museum of the Albemarle. I’m an author and was there to sign my Civil War historical fiction. I was awed by your museum. It could be at home in any large city. The bright open architecture, the quality of the exhibits, the cleanliness, the hospitality, are all so state of the art.

What amazed me most was the three women who comprise the staff. With the support of a board of directors and enthusiastic Friends of the Museum volunteers, these women presented a spectacular grand opening of your Civil War exhibit for the sesquicentennial of the war. As hostesses they greeted every school group personally on Friday and mingled with the crowds on Saturday and Sunday, making sure everyone knew when a presentation was about to begin, and what was happening where. They arranged full lunches every day for the presenters and workers. They attended to every detail.

I’ve been traveling with my books almost every weekend since last March. I’ve attended Civil War events at museums, national parks, battlefields, parks, schools, colleges and state parks. This event tops them all. These women tended to every small detail and did it with grace, pleasure and smiles — making everyone comfortable and glad to be there.

The wealth of material available for research, general knowledge, and enjoyment in the exhibits, events, and in the well-stocked gift shop, is a treasure for your community. In this time of economic trial, your newspaper, community organizations, schools, and businesses must support every event and activity this museum offers. And, it’s free? When did you last hear that? This is a place entire families can go for a free outing on a Saturday afternoon. Free! It’s true we often don’t realize what we have until it’s gone. This is an amazing facility for a small town. It’s a treasure for your community.

My personal thanks to all who attended and came by to talk to me about my books. I enjoyed every moment, and I hope you enjoy the books. Thanks to the staff, the support staff and volunteers who looked after every comfort for the presenters. It was a wonderful event. Thank you for inviting me. Congratulations to all of you on a splendid and memorable event.

DEANNA K. KLINGEL

Sapphire