PRESERVE Historic Sleeping Bear 2011 Projects & Events
There is plenty of summer left to take advantage of volunteer projects or participate in special events hosted by Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear, a non-profit partner of the National Park Service. The mission of Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear is to help preserve and interpret the historic structures and cultural landscapes of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. In keeping with this mission, Preserve has organized some really fun activities, projects and contests.
HISTORIC PORT ONEIDA: THE LAND TELLS Its SIDE OF THE STORY
Thursday, July 14 at 10:00am
Tour Port Oneida with Bill Herd, a retired interpretive ranger with the National Park Service, for a fascinating looks at the historic buildings and their history! Meet at the Olsen farm on M-22 (3164) just west of Port Oneida Road.
TREAT FARM VOLUNTEER WORK PROJECT
Friday & Saturday, July 15 & 16 at 9:00am to 4:00pm
Last year paid contractors and volunteers repaired six outbuildings. This summer a team will finish the pig barn, clear brush and start a large project, repairing the Treat farmhouse. The house will be scraped and painted. Rotting sills and gutters will be replaced and the chimneys will be repaired. Professional painters have been hired to handle the scraping and painting but a team of six skilled carpenters and ten general volunteers are needed. For more information on how to volunteer, visit the Treat Farm Project web page.
“WE LOVE OUR PARK” PHOTO CONTEST
Entry Deadline, Saturday, July 16
Get out into the park and capture the beauty of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Each photo must contain a historical structure within the park boundary. Prizes will be awarded that include for first place, second place and honorable mention. Finalists will be selected by photographer Tom Kachadurian. The public will have the opportunity to vote for their favorites online. Entries must be postmarked by July 16. For more information on the contest or to enter online, visit “We Love Our Park” Photo Contest. Cost: $20 for two entries.
PATH TO THE PAGE: HIKING AND WRITING
Thursday, July 28 at 9:00am to 3:00pm
This workshop offers an interpretive experience of Port Oneida, through a unique combination of writing and hiking. Exploring the scenic paths and farms, Anne-Marie Oomen, Creative Writing instructor at Interlochen Arts Academy, provides the inspiration and writing tools for creating your own imaginative pieces based upon facts about select historic sites. The morning begins at the Olsen Farm before heading off on the approximately three-mile hike. Participants and instructors share snippets of their writing progresses. Cost is: $70 and includes a box lunch. Registration required. For more information and to register online, visit Path to Page web page.
PORT ONEIDA PICNIC PRESENTED BY PRESERVE HISTORIC SLEEPING BEAR
Friday, August 15 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Come to the Port Oneida Historic Fair during the day and stay for dinner in the evening. Enjoy an old fashioned chicken dinner at the Charles and Hattie Olsen farm. Live musical entertainment, tractor wagon rides, and a corn-on-the-cob-eating contest. The “We Love Our Park” photo contest winner will be announced. Tickets are limited: $12/person. For more information, visit the Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear Programs web page.
10th ANNUAL HISTORIC PORT ONEIDA FAIR
Friday & Saturday, August 12 & 13 from 10:00am to 4:00pm
Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear is a co-sponsor along with Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes of the Port Oneida Fair. The Park is host to two full days at seven historic sites in Port Oneida that sets the scene for over 100 demonstrations in life-skills, crafts and traditions of the late 1800s – early 1900s. From oxen mowing to butter making and spinning, this event is an enjoyable and relaxing, yet educational time for the whole family. Attend the fair or volunteer by calling 231.334.6103. Visit the Port Oneida Fair for more information.
HISTORIC PORT ONEIDA: THE LAND TELLS Its SIDE OF THE STORY
Thursday, August 18 at 10:00am
Tour Port Oneida with Bill Herd, a retired interpretive ranger with the National Park Service, for a fascinating looks at the historic buildings and their history! Meet at the Olsen farm on M-22 (3164) just west of Port Oneida Road.
NORTH MANITOU ISLAND VOLUNTEER PROJECT
Friday through Sunday, August 19th through 28th
Spend some time on North Manitou Island working on historic buildings including Blossom Cottage, a Frank Lloyd Wright structure, the Katie Shepard Hotel and other structures. Sign up for a little as three volunteer days or for the whole week. Work for six hours with a few hours off each day to explore the island. Ferry ride to the island and house is provided. Register early since space is limited. For more information on the trip and projects, visit the North Manitou Island Project page or the Volunteer Signup page.
DAY TRIP TO NORTH MANITOU ISLAND
Tuesday, August 23 from 9:00am to 5:00pm
Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear and the Leelanau Historical Society are teaming up to provide an enjoyable experience visiting the island and viewing some of PHSB’s restoration work. Explore the natural beauty while learning about the island’s vibrant historical contribution to Leelanau County – it’s settlers, shipwrecks, commerce and mainland connections. Tours will include historic Cottage Row with an overview of the Katie Shepherd Hotel restoration project and work which has begun on the Frank Lloyd Wright Blossom Cottage. A light breakfast and box lunch are provided. Depart from Leland at 9:00am. Tickets are $60/person for LHS or PHSB member or $80/person for non-members. For more information and to register call the Leelanau Historical Society at 231-256-7475 or e-mail info@leelanauhistory.org. Also visit Programs & Events on the PHSP website for more information.
SECOND ANNUAL PORT ONEIDA 5K BARN-TO-BARN TRAIL RUN/WALK
Saturday, September 3rd at 9:00am
Help raise money to support the efforts of Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear by running or walking on a beautiful course through the Port Oneida Rural Historic District. Kids get in on the fun in their own ½ Mile Dash. The run is limited to 300 participants and pre-registration is required. Cost: $20 pre-registration/$30 after August 27th. Volunteers are needed for this event. To register, volunteer or for more information, visit the Port Oneida Run web page.






