Below is an example sent to us by Belle Meade Plantation of what it means to the success of a museum to have dedicated volunteers to help out staff expecially in times of crisis!

- Sherrie

Monday, May 3, 2010 Stone Wall Flood Damage	Thursday, May 13 Stone wall after repair
Monday, May 3, 2010 Front Entrace Flood Damage	Thursday, May 13 Bridge after repair

From June 2, 2010 Belle Meade Plantation newsletter:

THE FLOOD HAS NOT DAMPENED THE SPIRIT!

On the Monday (May 3, 2010) after the flood, it appeared that it would be weeks before Belle Meade Plantation could open. Thanks to the kindness of neighbors, Board Members and volunteers, the Plantation only closed for one day! Over a quarter mile of stone wall was washed over and damaged. Sunday afternoon, in knee deep water, repairs began on the walls and front entrance. Ten days later, one would be hard pressed to know what was restored and what was original.

Around 5 feet of water entered the basement of the Mansion when the electricity went out on Sunday, May 2. By Monday, all was drained and mold mitigation had begun. No lasting effects are apparent, and we feel that it was the prompt action that saved us from many headaches later. Staff stayed around the clock, literally, removing debris as well as artifacts out of harm's way and prevented a bad situation from becoming worse.

Thanks to all that helped in whatever fashion, and join us in the effort to get the word out that Nashville is open for business.