Saving the Susan Marr House

  United States

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: July 27-31, 2009

Description: A hands-on historic preservation project in the Old West. The Susan Marr house is locally known as "the worst looking house with the best looking yard". It is not far from the Dr. Daems residence, where HCN volunteers worked in 2007. The building has been in a state of advancing decay for the past 60 years. Fortunately, the walls, room configurations and chimneys remain intact, though the roof has more or less disappeared. Work may include restoring the roof pitch utilizing the existing gables and shoring the entire structure for future work.

During this one-week workshop, much of the work will require climbing and working from scaffolding, and some basic understanding of construction technology would be helpful, though specific experience is not required. Work will be led by Jeff MacDonald, head of The Virginia City Institute for Preservation Research & Technology. Instruction will be in English.

The goal of the workshop is to demonstrate a variety of approaches to mitigating critical stabilization issues; participants' efforts will also go a long way to ensuring the survival of the Susan Marr house.

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.

Instruction will take place from 8:30am-5pm, Monday through Friday, though participants should plan to arrive in Virginia City on Sunday. 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 coordinates preservation efforts in both Virginia City and nearby Nevada 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.

Highlights: Volunteers will be developing and implementing a preservation solution for the Susan Marr House, a 19th century house in the National Historic Landmark district of Virginia City, Montana. The frame house has suffered from 60 years of neglect and decay; volunteers' work will support the Montana Heritage Commission's continuing effort to restore the historic mining town.

Qualifications: HCN workshops are open to all, particularly those with an interest in history, historic preservation,or construction. No experience is necessary, though this workshop will include climbing on scaffolding. See full project description for details.

Cost in US$: 650

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: A typical workshop participant has an interest in historic buildings, either as a profession or hobby. Otherwise, our workshops draw participants from a broad range of backgrounds, particularly those looking to volunteer with a non-profit organization for a good cause; that mix contributes significantly to the workshops' success.

Age Range: 18-80

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to United States Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 8-10

Application Process Involves:

• Other

Heritage Conservation Network's Mission Statement: Heritage Conservation Network supports community-based heritage conservation efforts around the world. HCN's hands-on building conservation workshops provide hands-on training in building conservation skills, assist in the completion of preservation projects, and increase awareness of the significance of architectural heritage and the economic benefits of historic preservation.

Year Founded: 2001