DOVER, TN − HistoriCorps and the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area are seeking volunteers of all skill levels to help rehabilitate the historic tool barn in the Homeplace 1850s Working Farm and Living History Museum, with four week-long volunteer opportunities running from Sept. 8 through Oct. 4. Those interested in volunteering can visit www.historicorps.org to register for the project and learn more about other HistoriCorps volunteer opportunities.

HistoriCorps is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to engaging volunteer workforces to preserve historic places and provide free mentorship in the preservation trades. HistoriCorps is returning to the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area for the third year of historic preservation work with volunteer work crews.

Homeplace 1850s Working Farm and Living History Museum houses sixteen 1850s-era farming buildings, a variety of livestock, and historic interpreters in 1850s dress who bring this historic community to life. Homeplace is a popular area for history enthusiasts and tourists and presents a unique opportunity for HistoriCorps volunteers to contribute to living history. The Land Between the Lakes Recreation Area was originally home to members of the Osage, Cherokee, Shawnee, Yuchi, O-ga-xpa, and Chikasaw Nations. White European settlers farmed this land until economists in the 1950s hypothesized that economic growth would allow Americans to have more leisure time, creating a need for more outdoor recreation areas. Exercising the power of eminent domain, the Tennessee Valley Authority repurposed large swathes of farmland to create the recreation area.

More volunteers are still needed to ensure the success of this project. HistoriCorps welcomes but does not require any experience in the trades; mentorship and all necessary tools are provided. Volunteer sessions are scheduled Sunday evening through Friday morning, and volunteers can expect all meals to be provided by expert field staff. Participants will have access to camping accommodations for tents, truck campers, campervans, trailers, and RVs.

Project Details:

  • Location: 18 miles north of Dover, TN
  • Tasks: Repair the oak shake roofing of the tool barn roof and porch with cedar shakes; garden crib log repair and replacement; corn crib log repair and replacement; repair door on tool barn; woodshed log repair and replacement.

Dates:

  • Session 1: September 8-13
  • Session 2: September 15-20
  • Session 3: September 22-27
  • Session 4: September 29-October 4

For more information or to register for a volunteer session, visit www.historicorps.org, or contact us at info@historicorps.org.