Volunteer Opportunity

2005 Barn Workshop
Saturday & Sunday, June 24 & 25, 2006 ~ 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Ole Olson Farmstead ~ Basch Road, Port Oneida

The park will again be hosting our successful barn restoration workshop June 24-25th in the Port Oneida Rural Historic District. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the partnership between the Michigan Barn Preservation Network and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in developing this series of "hands-on" workshops. This year's workshop will be held at the Ole Olson Farmstead on Basch Road off M-22, approximately 5 miles north of Glen Arbor. Just follow the signs to the work site. The park and the Michigan Barn Preservation Network are providing the skilled labor to put on this workshop.

The workshop at the Ole Olson Barn will be on stone masonry repair. The course will include 1) basics about mortars, 2) mortar analysis, 3) mortar and raking demonstrations, 4) tuck pointing and finishes, 5) hand tools and their use, and 6) equipment safety. The course is set up so participants receive "hands on" training of all techniques. The workshop begins at 9:00 a.m. each day. There is no cost to participants. Tools and materials will be provided. Participants should wear sturdy shoes and gloves and bring a sack lunch for each day they attend. Campsites will be provided for those workers who request it.

Workers are not required to be skilled in the building trades, though experience will be helpful and appreciated. The purpose of the workshop is to teach the techniques and train owners and interested public how to do restoration work on timber and frame structures. Past workshop attendees have ranged in age from 7 to 70 with each contributing their own unique skills to the project.

The public workshops started in 1997 at the John Burfiend Barn in the Port Oneida Rural Historic District, with subsequent workshops again at the Burfiend Barn, Brunson Barn, Lawr Barn, Klett Pasture Barn, Shalda Log Cabin, and at South Manitou Island's Beck Farm. Last year's project restored the Martin Basch Granary in the Port Oneida Rural Historic District. Fifty people from the public and other parks in the Midwest Region attend this workshop each year.

Interested parties should contact the park historical architect, Kimberly Mann (231)326-5135 ext. 501, to sign up for the workshop. Campsites will be arranged for you at the D. H. Day Group site near Glen Haven, as needed. If you have a trailer camper please indicate this when signing up, so arrangements can be made at the regular D.H. Day Campground.

Advance registration is not required, but would be helpful. If planning to participate, please advise Park Historic Architect, Kimberly Mann at 231-326-5135 x501, send your name, address and telephone number to kimberly_mann@nps.gov or use the "Sign-Up link above.

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MIMS™ ~ the Manitou Islands Memorial Society