06/03/2026
A year ago today we lost Loretta Jones. Loretta was over guest services for the museum. She always greeted people warmly and a huge welcome. One of Loretta’s favorite roles at the museum was working with the Community in Schools Girls Circle. In partnership with the Nature Conservancy we developed a pine needle weaving class. Each semester we took girls to Calloway Forest to collect longleaf pine needles. Loretta loved working with the girls especially at Calloway became a great weaver herself. To honor her legacy, The Nature Conservancy has installed waysides that includes a photo of Loretta and honors Native peoples homeland and traditions of gathering pine needle for time immemorial. Loretta, thank you for your dedication to our girls, our people, and sharing all the your wonderful talents with us. Rest well, my friend. We miss you. Please visit Calloway Forest in Raeford. It’s a very special place.
