HistoriCorps and the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests are seeking volunteers of all skill levels to help rehabilitate the historic High Knob Tower, with multiple week-long volunteer opportunities running from May 25 – June 20. 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.
Rising atop the crest of Shenandoah Mountain is the High Knob Fire Tower, a one of a kind stone-constructed lookout tower built in the 1930s that symbolizes a pivotal era of forestry management and labor force cooperation. In 1939, construction began on the High Knob Fire Tower which sits directly on the border line of Virginia and West Virginia, rising just over 4,000 feet above sea level. As with many labor projects sprouting during the 1930s, President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal was keen to put out of work men to use, and the forest engaged post-war Veterans of World War I as a labor force while also partnering with the local Civilian Conservation Corps Camp #2 of North River to build the stone fire tower. This year, HistoriCorps is returning to the rugged hills of West Virginia to engage in preservation work at the High Knob Fire Tower.
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, car campers, campervans, trailers, and RVs 25 feet and under.
Project details: The tower is located on the Virginia and West Virginia borderline 22 miles northwest of Harrisonburg, Virginia. The handrailing around the deck will be rebuilt. The volunteer sessions are scheduled for May 25 – 30 (session one), June 1 – 6 (session two), June 8 – 13 (session three) and June 15 – 20 (session four).
For more information or to register for a volunteer session, visit www.historicorps.org, or email info@historicorps.org.
