Project Volunteers

Preservation projects are an integral part of what we’re all about at Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear. Our volunteer projects are listed below.

Group Projects:

Every year PHSB typically holds three volunteer group work projects to preserve historic buildings and landscapes that we have selected from the Park’s long list. These are well-planned complex projects involving assessing the structure; concurring with the park’s historic architect on proper methods to preserve the historic integrity; acquiring materials for funding; and recruiting skilled volunteers. We make a significant contribution to the park, as we are able to leverage funds by doing this work less expensively with our dedicated volunteer help!

This work requires a core of skilled and “unskilled” volunteers to get the job done.

Skilled labor – typically in areas of building repair, electrical wiring, masonry, roofing, drywall, carpentry, plumbing.

Unskilled labor – come help us clear debris, sweep out barns, hammer nails, remove vegetation, or do some painting!

Individual Projects:

Some aspects of the Group Projects can be accomplished at alternative dates. If you can’t make the Group Project dates but would like to help out – please contact us, we usually have prep work that we need help with. We work to be flexible to accommodate the talented individuals who would like to contribute. We also have a list of projects that are appropriate for individuals on their own time-table. If you have the skills and interest for one of the projects, please contact us and let us know. We welcome your participation!

Individual Project List:

Charles Olsen House – there are a number of projects

Front Entryway – 1) door – sand and re-stain 2) threshold and door jam need repair
Install basement/pantry doorway trim
Work on windows

Group Project Time commitment:

Mainland – our two group projects on the mainland are on a Friday and Saturday. Come one or both days. Details for this year’s projects are below.

North Manitou Island – project extends for a period of 10 days. Volunteers must commit to a minimum of 3 days, with some time off to explore the island. Transportation by ferry is paid for, and volunteers are provided housing on the island. This is a popular project, so preference is given to members of PHSB and skills needed. Once you have been accepted into the project, we will send details about logistics and what to bring.

We need skilled carpenters and builders who can supervise our volunteer work projects

Donate your expertise and feel great about preserving our heritage.

For planning purposes and to provide the best volunteer experience, we need to have a good idea of the number and skills of the volunteers. To volunteer you must fill out the volunteer form. Enter “Treat Farm” to specify this project. Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear is signed up as Group VIP (Volunteer in the Parks) and has forms on-site to record your hours.

Treat Farm Project

Date: Friday – Saturday, July 13-14, 2012 (Register for either or both days) Time: 9 am – 4 pm

Project Description:

This will be our fourth work project at the Treat Farm, a special spot at the end of a two-track located on the south side of the park. (See Success Stories for what was accomplished previously). We’ll be repairing two chimneys on the house; repairing a fascia piece and eaves; repairing boards under the bay window; doing stone masonry work on the foundation; repairing and painting the concrete porch; and clearing logs from the field in front of the house.

Volunteers Needed/Tasks:

1) 3 builders/skilled carpenters that are comfortable on ladders or scaffolding to work on the fascia and install a section of metal roofing and repairing the bay window area. On-site scaffold training and harness training may be required.

2) Trained professionals or volunteers in masonry for chimney and stone foundation repair.

3) Up to 10 general laborers for concrete porch repair, painting, pruning, and removing felled trees.

Funders/Partners: Thanks to Cherry Republic for a grant of $5,000 to fund most of the professional scraping and painting portion of the project (required due to lead-based paint). PHSB will also fund the restoration of the farmhouse and summer kitchen chimneys. Cost: $2,000

Supplies/Equipment Needed:

Directions: Meet at the Treat Farm at 9 am on Stormer road off of M-22 just south of Empire.

NOTE: This farm is in a designated Wilderness area in the Park. As such, you will not be able to drive your car back the 1/4 mile to the Farm. We will have designated shuttles. Please park at the gate in front of the two-track by the Tweddle Farm down Stormer road.

What to Bring:

Must wear long pants and hard soled shoes; Bring your lunch. We provide gloves and some tools. If you are a skilled carpenter, please bring your hammer and some electrical tools.

If you indicated that you are skilled and of supervisory levels, we will be in contact with you to coordinate equipment needs.

Register:

For planning purposes and to provide the best volunteer experience, we need to have a good idea of the number and skills of the volunteers. To volunteer you must fill out the volunteer form. Enter “TREAT“ to specify this project. Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear is signed up as Group VIP (Volunteer in the Parks) and has forms on-site to record your hours.

REGISTER NOW!

Olsen Silage Chute Project

Date: Friday – Saturday, July 20-21, 2012 (Register for either or both days) Time: 9 am – 4 pm

Project Description

Though the barn silo at the Charles and Hattie Olsen Farm in the Port Oneida Rural Historic District was beautifully restored by the Park around 2004, the silage chute has been hanging in the balance. This summer volunteers will repair this important aspect of the barn. Our designs will restore two walls that connect between the silo and the barn which create the chute. This will require working at the height of a second-story. The project is to restore the integrity of the building; remedy a current safety hazard; and provide an avenue for visitors to see in to the silo.

Volunteers Needed/Tasks

1) 3-5 builders/skilled carpenters that are comfortable on ladders or scaffolding. On-site scaffold training and harness training may be required and provided.

This project is not suited well for non-carpentry skills.

Supplies/Equipment Needed

Scaffolding or a lift; extension ladders; metal roofing material;

Directions

The Olsen Farm at 3164 W. Harbor Hwy. M-22 just 3 miles north of Glen Arbor. Parking is on-site.

What to Bring

Must wear long pants and hard soled shoes; Bring your lunch. We provide gloves and some tools. If you are a skilled carpenter, please bring your hammer and some electrical tools.

If you indicated that you are skilled and of supervisory levels, we will be in contact with you to coordinate equipment needs.

Register

For planning purposes and to provide the best volunteer experience, we need to know the number and skills of the volunteers coming. To volunteer you must fill out the volunteer form. Enter “OLSEN SILO” to specify this project. Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear is signed up as Group VIP (Volunteer in the Parks) and has forms on-site to record your hours.

REGISTER NOW!

Olsen House Painting Project

Date: Friday – Saturday, July 20-21, 2012

Project Description

The Olsen House History Center was our first project in 1999. The farmhouse now needs some scraping and a fresh coat of paint as we spruce up for installation of our exhibit. The house will be professional scraped, caulked and primed by licensed contractors (required). Volunteers will complete put on the final finish coats.

Volunteers Needed/Tasks

6 volunteers – 3 need to be comfortable with heights and receive scaffold and harness training on-site for painting.

Supplies/Equipment Needed

Scaffolding, ladders; paint – we’re looking for donations of “Duration”, “Timeless” or “Super” white paint. Contact us if you wish to fund the purchase of these materials or donate in-kind.

Directions

The Olsen Farm at 3164 W. Harbor Hwy. M-22 just 3 miles north of Glen Arbor. Parking is on-site.

What to Bring

Must wear long pants and hard soled shoes; Bring your lunch. We provide gloves and some tools. If you are a skilled carpenter, please bring your hammer and some electrical tools.

If you indicated that you are skilled and of supervisory levels, we will be in contact with you to coordinate equipment needs.

Register

For planning purposes and to provide the best volunteer experience, we need to know the number and skills of the volunteers coming. To volunteer you must fill out the volunteer form. Enter “OLSEN PAINTING” to specify this project. Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear is signed up as Group VIP (Volunteer in the Parks) and has forms on-site to record your hours.

REGISTER NOW!

Katie Shepard Hotel/North Manitou Island

Date: Friday, August 17 – Sunday, August 26, 2012 Minimum of 3 days required. Time: 9 am – 4 pm

Project Description:

PHSB volunteers will make their fourth trek to North Manitou Island to spend 10 days working on the Katie Shepard Hotel on “Cottage Row”. (See Success Stories for what was accomplished previously). We have hopes of restoring this for use once again as a boarding house enabling visitors to stay overnight in rustic accommodations. This year we will also begin restoration of the interior of the hotel, repairing large sections of ceiling board, and patching floor boards among other repairs. Volunteers will make a variety of final repairs to the exterior of this structure, originally a boarding house in the late 1880s. Providing we can secure professional scraping and priming services, volunteers will paint the finish coats.

Volunteers will also continue vegetation removal in the park that stretches in front of Cottage Row – opening up historic views of Lake Michigan.

Volunteers Needed/Tasks:

A maximum of 12 volunteers at one time can be housed on the island. Volunteers rotate as they come and go for short periods – which allows opportunities for more people to experience the joy and rewards of our projects on the island. Housing is complete with indoor bathroom, beds, and kitchen facilities. Builders/skilled carpenters and handyman/woman types are welcome. On-site scaffold training and harness training may be required for those working at heights.

Funders/Partners: PHSB has secured a generous grant of $6,000 for work on the Katie Shepard Hotel, to be used for scraping, painting, painting supplies, wood and other materials.

Supplies/Equipment Needed:

All tools are provided on the island.

Directions: Meet at the Treat Farm at 9 am on Stormer road off of M-22 just south of Empire. NOTE: This farm is in designated Wilderness area in the Park. As such, you will not be able to drive your car back the 1/4 mile to the Farm. We will have designated shuttles. Please park at the gate in front of the two-track by the Tweddle Farm down Stormer road.

What to Bring:

All tools are provided on the island. Approved participants will be sent an informational sheet with details. They do provide their own lunch during their stay.

Must wear long pants and hard soled shoes; Bring your lunch. We provide gloves and some tools. If you are a skilled carpenter, please bring your hammer and some electrical tools.

If you indicated that you are skilled and of supervisory levels, we will be in contact with you to coordinate equipment needs.

Register:

For planning purposes and to provide the best volunteer experience, we need to have a good idea of the number and skills of the volunteers. To volunteer you must fill out the volunteer form. Enter “NMI” to specify this project. Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear is signed up as Group VIP (Volunteer in the Parks) and has forms on-site to record your hours.

REGISTER NOW!

Boekeloo Cabin Project

Date: Date to be determined. Most likely late summer – early September

Project Description:

PHSB has been awarded a grant that will complete exterior work on the Boekeloo Cabin/Lodge in Benzie County. Previously, PHSB raised $19,000 for the front elevation including restoration or replacement of logs and windows. This summer, A log specialist contractor will complete the log repair on the remaining sides, and install a new roof funded by PHSB with a grant of $21,000.

Volunteers Needed/ Tasks:

3-5 volunteers to seal and stain the logs to preserve them into the future as recommended by the contractor upon completion of his repair work.

No date has been determined for the volunteer portion of this project yet – dependent on the completion of the contracted work.

Supplies/Equipment Needed:

Step ladders

Directions: M-22 south of Empire to Boekeloo road on the right side past Platte River canoe livery. Take the 2-track to road end.

What to Bring:

Must wear long pants and hard soled shoes; Bring your lunch. We provide gloves and some tools. If you are a skilled carpenter, please bring your hammer and some electrical tools.

Register:

For planning purposes and to provide the best volunteer experience, we need to have a good idea of the number and skills of the volunteers. To volunteer you must fill out the volunteer form. Enter “BOEKELOO” to specify this project. Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear is signed up as Group VIP (Volunteer in the Parks) and has forms on-site to record your hours.

REGISTER NOW!

We have many other volunteer opportunities at Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear. View our full list here.