Voices of Volunteers: Mary Beth Moore
Voices of Volunteers: Mary Beth Moore
In celebration of Women's History Month, we are sharing the stories of some of the amazing women on the National Mall - our volunteers! With their unique backgrounds and perspectives, they enliven the National Mall and enrich visitors' experiences. These women share why they volunteer, what the experience means to them, and highlight some of the women who inspire them, both on and off the Mall!
Photo: Bill Shugarts
Mary Beth Moore joined the National Mall volunteer team in 2014 and has served in a number of roles, including providing support at special events, visitor services across the National Mall, and, most recently, interpretation at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial. Having lived in DC for over 40 years, Mary Beth has an in-depth knowledge of the city and is an amazing resource for visitors and locals alike. Mary Beth’s background in public health provides valuable perspective on Eisenhower and Oveta Culp Hobby’s work with the Department of Health, Education, and Wellness and the current historical context in which volunteers serve the public today.
Trust for the National Mall (TNM): The National Mall encompasses stories of many inspiring women, such as our First Ladies, those who marched for Women's Rights, the heroes represented in the Vietnam Women’s Memorial, icons such as Marian Anderson, and the founders of the National Woman’s Party. What women of the National Mall inspire you? What does it mean to you to volunteer amongst these legacies?
Mary Beth Moore (MBM): The National Mall is a magnet for the demonstration of First Amendment Freedoms of Speech and Assembly, many having been led by women. Alice Paul and Lucy Burns stand out for organizing the first large march on Washington for political purposes: The Woman Suffrage Procession on March 3, 1913. The excitement of that day may have been similar to the Women’s March of January 21, 2017, a worldwide protest for women’s rights. The spirit of camaraderie throughout the National Mall that day was electric. Both events coincided with the inauguration of critics of the women’s activities. While it is distressing to see the need for protests spanning over 100 years, it is an honor to volunteer among the places that inspire the struggle for equal rights for all.
TNM: What women in your own life inspire you?
MBM: I have had the great good fortune to have worked for several outstanding women leaders. The confidence they had in me inspired me to work hard and achieve success. They are not memorialized on the National Mall, but I find they are represented in the achievements of other women who are Park Rangers, Trust for the National Mall workers, and the many caretakers of our treasured National Mall and Memorial Parks.
TNM: Why did you start volunteering at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial?
MBM: I had childhood memories of President Eisenhower, but my awareness of his accomplishments was limited. The new memorial being built in my neighborhood piqued my interest. The opportunity to be trained and contribute to the opening of this new site was exciting, and the more I learned, the more I admired Dwight D. Eisenhower’s life-long achievements. I felt the same rise in appreciation that is reflected in his rise in Presidential ranking. I was especially impressed with how this war hero was even better as a peacekeeper. I feel very special when I contribute information that increases our visitor’s appreciation of this remarkable man.
TNM: What have you accomplished or learned through your volunteer position, personally, professionally, or otherwise?
MBM: My professional training and career focused on science, public health, and education. Volunteering with the National Park Service has expanded my knowledge of American history, natural and cultural resources, and the stories that connect people and places. The National Mall has been my front yard for over 40 years. Over my 7 years as a VIP, it has been my greatest pleasure to expand visitors’ knowledge and understanding of the significance of this area. I have worked at the Cherry Blossom Festival information tent, REI Adventure Station, Capital NSO Concert events, roved on the Mall, supported Honor Flights, and helped at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial. Training for all of these assignments has been excellent. I continue to learn daily from my Park colleagues and guests. I also take pride, as a local, in helping others find their way to special places and nearby amenities.
TNM: What visitor interactions have stood out to you during your time volunteering?
MBM: Even local visitors are impressed with the connections between Eisenhower’s Presidency and the programs housed in the buildings surrounding the Memorial. Transportation, Education, Health & Human Services, NASA, Air & Space, Voice of America, all have their origins with Dwight D. Eisenhower. The Memorial couldn’t be better positioned if they had planned it this way. In addition, visitors have been eager to walk a little further to visit the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial which includes an Eisenhower quote.
I had the pleasure of hosting a visitor who was named Dwight David, after Eisenhower. He was driving by in his tow truck and caught sight of his name on the wall. His mother had spoken of Eisenhower, but the Memorial brought his namesake’s story to life. Dwight’s enthusiasm touched everyone else visiting that late Friday afternoon.
TNM: What would you say to someone considering volunteering with the National Mall?
MBM: Volunteering is something you do to help others while helping yourself. If you like to learn, and to share with interested people, you will enjoy being a volunteer with the National Mall. Each encounter may be unpredictable, but each is valuable. The National Mall staff allows volunteers to spend time where they want to work, with flexibility and encouragement. And volunteering is a great way to expand your circle of friends.
