By Caley Breese
If you’re ever interested in advice on how to stay active and involved in your community, then Bill and Margaret “Margi” Maynard are the folks you should talk to.
This husband and wife team has been volunteering at Historic London Town and Gardens in Edgewater for nine years. Hailing from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, the couple moved to Annapolis in 2006 to be closer to their two daughters. Eager to become a greater part of the community they began volunteering here in 2007.
“[We] very much believe that people who are retired should give back to whatever community they live in, and this is one way we could do it!” says Bill.
Their history with volunteering dates back to Massachusetts in 1997 after retiring from careers at an all-boys independent day and boarding school in West Newton. They began their volunteer work at the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, working as tour guides for school groups and families.
Today, the Maynards volunteer at Historic London Town and Gardens where they help with numerous opportunities that the organization provides. “London Town was the perfect fit because you could do what you wanted to do and I could do what I wanted to do,” says Margi, referring to her husband. “We looked for a place where we could use our volunteer knowledge,” Bill adds.
It seems that Historic London Town and Gardens does just that.
Historic London Town and Gardens was established in 1993 and is located on the South River in Edgewater. The non-profit organization, which is owned by Anne Arundel County, is a 23 acre park that allows visitors to come and learn about the history, archaeology, and horticulture that it features through interpretive, recreational, and educational programs. An important goal for London Town is restoring and preserving the history and life of this Colonial town. The property is also a great spot for weddings and special events.
“It’s trying to educate the community [to show] what life was like in the Colonial times,” explains Margi. She also adds that the organization’s garden is known for its camellias, which bloom in April, October, November, and December.
With London Town, Margi primarily helps out with the garden and retrieving gift items for the silent and live auctions for the organization’s Privateer Party Benefit. “It’s hard work. It’s clearing out areas, it’s weeding around the Ornamental Gardens. You know, you want that to look really good for the spring weddings in particular, and all summer,” she says.
It’s obvious that she really loves it nonetheless. “Everybody works together. It’s a great gang. It is fun,” Margi says with a smile.
As for Bill, his volunteer work with London Town mainly revolves around the educational tours with the school groups and coordinating with the historical reenactors. According to him, the educational tours involve taking the groups through various exhibits that deal with early Maryland history. One stop on their tour also includes the infamous William Brown House.
“I have great fun talking to the school kids when they come in!” Bill says with a hearty laugh.
With the Maynard’s passion for volunteering and staying active in their retirement being so prominent, it’s safe to say London Town has found two great additions to their organization.
“As long as I can, I will continue to volunteer. And I think Bill feels the same way,” says Margi, excitedly. Bill agrees. “I would definitely say, if anyone wants to keep young, volunteer.”
For more information on Historic London Town and Gardens, visit historiclondontown.org.
