“We are prone to judge success by the index of our salaries or the size of our automobiles, rather than by the quality of our service relationship to humanity.”—Dr. Martin L. King, Jr.

As volunteer Executive Director, no one has volunteered more hours at the Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum than Mr. Jimmy Harrell. Jimmy began his museum volunteer services long before the official opening of the museum in 1999. He volunteered side by side with his late wife, Mary S Harrell, when she set out on a quest to collect and share African American history. He was very instrumental in making the Black Heritage Museum a reality.

Jimmy Harrell’s name in the community is synonymous with hard work, dedication, and service. Jimmy volunteers at the museum 30+ hours each week. His volunteer tasks include, but not limited to, grant writing, museum tour guide, exhibits, festivals, special museum events, summer youth program sponsored by Allen Chapel AME, supervising museum student interns., maintenance and upkeep of property. Mr. Harrell enjoys meeting visitors and sharing African American history and his personal experiences growing up in a small Florida town. He goes above and beyond every day to continue the legacy of the museum founder and his wife, the late Mary S. Harrell. Mr. Harrell is a retired public school educator and has graciously given his time, skills and talents not only to the museum but also to the community. He was recently recognized as Citizen of the Year 2016 for his contributions to the New Smyrna Beach community. He is a long time member of Allen Chapel AME Church and has served as a trustee, steward, choir member, and Sons of Allen.

Mr. Harrell deserves our congratulations and recognition as Volunteer of the Month for his unselfish and dedicated service to the Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum and the community.