Actress Betty Lynn, who played "Thelma Lou" on "The Andy Griffith Show," is making a series of appearances at the new Andy Griffith Museum, located in Mount Airy.

Lynn will meet with fans, discuss her role on the show, and sign autographs from 12:30 to 5 p.m. Aug. 17, and Sept. 21.

She will also appear from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 3, a special date for fans of the classic sitcom. That day marks the 50th anniversary of the show's debut - Oct. 3, 1960.

Lynn fell in love with Mount Airy during visits to the town's Mayberry Days festival and relocated from Los Angeles in 2007. Mount Airy is Griffith's hometown and served as inspiration for the show's fictional town of Mayberry.

"You can't believe the reaction people have to 'The Andy Griffith Show.' I never thought it would continue forever, but it does," Lynn said. "People love the show. They grew up with me in their living room, and I really enjoy meeting them and sharing those memories."

Lynn has made occasional, unscheduled appearances at the museum since it opened last November. Word spreads quickly each time, drawing crowds to the 2,500-square-foot museum.

"Every time Betty's at the museum, she generates quite a buzz," said Tanya Jones, who oversees the facility as executive director of the Surry Arts Council. "It was easy to see that we needed to schedule appearances so fans could plan in advance to come see 'Thelma Lou.'"

The museum is located at 218 Rockford St., next door to the Andy Griffith Playhouse and a half-mile from the actor's boyhood home. It houses a treasure trove of items collected by Emmett Forrest, a schoolmate and close friend of Griffith.

Admission to the museum is $3 per person. Lynn will autograph 8- by-10 glossy photos for $10 apiece. Folks will not be allowed to take individual photos of Lynn because photography is not allowed inside the museum.

For more information, call (336) 786-7998 or visit www.AndyGriffithMuseum.com.