It was a time to mingle, and a time to tour.

Several dozen individuals gathered at the Karl C. Harrison Museum of George Washington last Tuesday, Feb. 22, for a &uot;meet and greet,&uot; sponsored by the South Shelby County Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber Director Stacey Walkup said the event is designed for business owners and professionals who often can’t network with people from other businesses and communities during regular working hours. The event was held from 5:30-7 p.m.

Some South Shelby residents became more familiar with what is available in the area during the event, that was designed to &uot;create awareness of the different attractions in the different communities,&uot;

Walkup said.

&uot;It’s another networking opportunity,&uot; Helen Dean of the museum added.

About 50 individuals attended the first event, held late last year at Morgan Creek Vineyard in Harpersville.

There was also a solid turnout for last week’s event.

It wasn’t coincidental the second event was held at the museum.

The event was held on George Washington’s birthday.

Those attending the event spent part of the time touring the museum. Some of the participants were first-time guests viewing Martha Washington’s prayer book or the original landscaping planned for Mount Vernon.

Mary Hedrick, library supervisor for the adjoining Harrison Regional Library, added that school-aged youth touring the museum since Sept. 11, 2001, seemingly have a greater appreciation of our country’s heritage.

&uot;There’s a tremendous difference in what they are learning, and what they are interested in,&uot; she said.

The museum, which houses the largest collection of George and Martha Washington outside of Mt. Vernon, their home in Virginia, is located on 50 Lester St. in Columbiana and is open for tours Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public. For information about the museum, call 669-8767. For information about the South Shelby Chamber, call 669-9075