Project Details: HCN will be bringing volunteers to Virginia City, Montana, for the third consecutive year to support the Montana Heritage Commission’s continuing efforts to restore the 19th century mining town. Virginia City sits high in the Rocky Mountains (elevation 5,882 feet / 1793 meters) at the site of a large gold strike made in Alder Gulch in 1863. Within a year the town grew to a population of 10,000, and it served as the Territorial Capital from 1865-1875. Today, with just 150 full time residents, the town remains an exceptional example of commercial and residential architecture from the late 1800s; adding to the uniqueness, many of the buildings contain original artifacts.
Built from a range of materials, including brick, log, and milled lumber, each building in town poses its own preservation challenges. The 2008 workshop will focus on some of the more complex aspects of log structure preservation.
During this one-week hands-on workshop, participants will work with conservation staff at several project sites located within the Virginia City National Historic Landmark District. Work will be led by Jeff MacDonald, head of The Virginia City Institute for Preservation Research & Technology. No experience is necessary, and the workshop is a great opportunity to learn first-hand about log cabin conservation and about historic preservation in general.
Instruction will take place from 8:30am-5pm, Monday through Friday, though participants should plan to arrive in Virginia City the day before. This workshop differs from other HCN workshops in that participants are responsible for their own lodging and meals. The workshop fee covers only workshop materials, instruction, and insurance. There are a number of bed and breakfast accommodations in and around Virginia City. A list of lodging options will be emailed upon request. Additional information is available from the Montana Heritage Commission, which owns Virginia City.
If arriving by air, the nearest major airport is in Bozeman. International participants can plan to fly via Denver International Airport. Participants may want to arrive early to settle in and tour Virginia City and become familiar with its intriguing history. A course agenda will be emailed following registration with supplemental information on the greater Virginia City area. Virginia City is less than 100 miles from Yellowstone National Park and a number of other natural and historic sites.
Summer in Montana brings daytime high temperatures from the upper 70s F (25 C) to the low 90s (32 C) and overnight lows in the 40s F (8 C). Due to the high altitude, temperatures cool off rapidly in the evening so bring attire suitable for the weather that will also be protective while working. Sturdy shoes, water bottles, insect repellant and sunscreen are recommended. Please be conscious that safety is an important issue at any work site.
If you need additional information, please contact us at workshops@heritageconservation.net or call +1 303-444-0128.
Cost: $425* Does NOT include lodging or meals
* Plus transportation to the site