Summer Volunteer Work Schedule

August 25 – September 3, 2007

The Hutmacher farm is a one-of-a-kind treasure of immigrant architecture and time capsule of the history of one of the last settlement periods in North Dakota’s history. The site was in many ways ahead of its time, in terms of conservation, green-architecture and eco-friendly construction techniques. It now needs your help to stabilize it and secure its prominence in sharing a story with those who haven’t yet discovered it.

Built in 1928, the farm consists of six buildings. All the buildings are made of slab-stone construction with clay mortar, and earthen roofs. The farm has been listed twice on the 3 Most Endangered Places list in North Dakota. See the Most Endangered list on our website at www.prairieplaces.org for more details.

This is an opportunity that few people have ever taken part in. We are looking for volunteers interested in learning the techniques of earthen roof construction, stone masonry, carpentry and the old world building traditions employed in the creation of the Hutmacher Farm. So join us for a day, a weekend, or a week.

Earlier this summer, a group of 38 volunteers from 4 states accomplished a great deal of work on the restoration project. Over the 9 day work schedule, volunteers from ages 8 – 80, cleaned up the grounds, removed three loads of debris from the site, inventoried the artifacts on location, did a current structural assessment of the property, installed visitor signs, shoveled as much a three feet of earth out of the farmhouse, temporarily raised the outhouse, rebuilt the original clothesline, installed bracing on the summer kitchen, rebuilt the smokehouse and removed collapsed portions of the roof and ceiling on the farmhouse. Archeologists uncovered traces of buildings, and building components… that have uncovered clues to the lifestyle and subsistence of the Hutmacher family.

The opportunity to be a part of this project through the experiential tourism program, allows site volunteers to have a learning based vacation that very few people have ever experienced. Don’t stop at just visiting or looking at historic places this summer; join us for a unique, hands-on opportunity to be a part of history.

SCHEDULE

Morning Work Schedule: 8am – 11:00am

Lunch Break: 11:00am – 12:00 noon
(Participants are required to provide their own lunch and beverages at the site)

Afternoon Work Schedule: 12:00 noon - 3pm

Evening Hours: (scheduled upon request)

Evening meals, entertainment or tours will be set each day to accommodate the number and interests of volunteers. (Transportation/Tours/Meals are “Dutch Treat”)

In case of severe weather, work will be re-scheduled into evening time slots. Call 701-361-0438 (cell phone onsite) for work schedule updates.

(Contact us for a pdf with photos and more information on the volunteer session, including local lodging options, and volunteer comments!)