Friends of the Library presents Andrew Cole as speaker

WEST JEFFERSON — In a program which should be of interest to both Ashe County old timers and newcomers to the area, Friends of the Library (FOL) proudly welcomes Andrew Cole, executive director of the Museum of Ashe County History, as featured speaker for the March 22 general membership meeting. Cole’s program will offer a brief overview of Ashe County’s unique history, as well as insights into the museum’s new exhibits and future plans. FOL’s meeting is held in the Community Room at the Ashe County Library in West Jefferson, 1 a.m. — 12:30 p.m.

Cole is a native North Carolinian, born in Duplin County. He received a BA in public history from Appalachian State University and first volunteered at the Museum of Ashe County History when he was a student. He served an internship at the museum in 2014, working with the late Don Long, curator at the museum. After graduation, Cole worked with the U.S National Park Service at several historic sites, including the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal, Harpers Ferry and Fort Washington. Later Cole was curator and program manager with the N.C. Division of State Historic Sites and Properties, working at Edenton State Historic Site. Prior to taking the job as executive director of the museum in Ashe County, Cole was a reporter and feature writer for the Ashe Post & Times. He is married and lives with his wife and daughter in Ashe County.