The Seashore Trolley Museum hosted a virtual Volunteer and Donor Appreciation evening on Dec. 29 to thank the 500-plus donors and volunteers who supported the museum through a challenging year. The museum was able to remain open for roughly 60 percent of its usual operating season days due to volunteers who continued to operate trolleys throughout spring, summer, and fall 2020.

According to a press release, the museum said, “Two special recognitions were awarded to two very deserving local volunteers.”

The first award, the George Sanborn Silent Leader Award, is given annually to a long-time volunteer who works tirelessly behind-the-scenes and contributes more time than any other member would realize, no matter what it takes. Past winners are CC Clapp of Kennebunkport (2018) and Fred Hessler of Londonderry, New Hampshire (2019).

The 2020 George Sanborn Silent Leader Award recipient was Phil Morse of Saco.

Morse has been a Seashore volunteer for decades. He filled many roles on campus in 2020; in addition to continuing to serve as the Narcissus Restoration Project Sponsor, a heritage trolley restoration project, this season he spent hundreds of hours painting the Visitors Center. He led docent-guided tours back in May and June as a way for the museum to remain open with pandemic restrictions at that time.

Morse also helped re-imagine what would end up being the museum’s largest fundraiser this season, Pumpkin Patch Trolley, by donating decorations and his time to create fall-themed photo experiences across the campus. He also invested hundreds of hours into creating lesson plans and other educator resources to accompany the young adult book he published on behalf of the museum in 2019, “Teddy Roosevelt, Millie, and the Elegant Ride.”

Resources for grades 3-8 are now available online at www.trolleymuseum.org/elegantride.

The second award, the Roger E. Somers Legacy Award, is given annually to a railway operations volunteer who exemplifies an unwavering passion to live the mission, a positive spirit, a genuine desire to mentor others, and servant leadership.

The past recipient is Roger Tobin of Arundel (2019).

The 2020 Roger E. Somers Award recipient was John Mercurio, Jr. of Biddeford.

As an operator for over 20 years, John was an integral member of the trolley operating crew as a dispatcher throughout the season. Over the years, he has served as a role model and mentor to several new trolley operators. His enthusiasm is only surpassed by his concern for the safety of both Seashore passengers and volunteers. He arrives early and stays late on a consistent basis. He takes responsibilities seriously and always can be counted upon to go above and beyond. Those who visited Seashore Trolley Museum in 2020 most likely know John; he volunteered on the trolley crew over half of the days the museum was open last year.

Located at 195 Log Cabin Road in Kennebunkport, Seashore Trolley Museum is the world’s oldest and largest electric railway and transit museum. Volunteers play a key role in helping the museum fulfill its mission and open to the general public from May-December each year.

For more information on how to get involved as a volunteer, visit www.trolleymuseum.org or call 207-967-2800.

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