VOLUNTEER WITH US!
REGISTRATIONS ARE OPEN!
(Check out our improved Volunteer Map! Opportunities will be added and updated throughout the season)
NOTICE: Much of the planning for this season has been in the works for several months. However, due to current interruptions within our federal agency partners, HistoriCorps cannot guarantee that any volunteer opportunity on federal lands will move forward as currently scheduled. As we learn more, we will provide updates and changes in our schedule below. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Registration Instructions
STEP 1: Scroll through our list of projects. Click any of the photos or titles associated with the project to access its page. Read carefully about the dates, location, scope of work, degree of difficulty, vehicle requirements, and camping logistics.
STEP 2: If you are interested in volunteering, click the link that says “CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!” You will be re-directed to the project’s registration form. (If you are re-directed to a HistoriClub Early Access Page, this means the project is locked until the advanced access window for HistoriClub members is complete. If you would like advanced access to projects you can join HistoriClub.)
STEP 3: Please fill out the registration form and pay close attention to which sessions you select to volunteer at. Any session you select and are accepted to we expect your participation you and will be taking a space away from another prospective volunteer. (We do not offer placeholders – check Volunteer Job Calendar for spaces available on the sessions you desire.)
STEP 4: Submit the form and sit tight! We’ll email you if you are accepted to the project! (Look for a Confirmation or Waitlisted email with the project in the title.)
HAVING DIFFICULTIES REGISTERING?: Contact us at volunteer@historicorps.org
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES OPEN FOR REGISTRATION
(Click on titles or photos to access volunteer opportunities)
CLICK HERE to check AVAILABLE VOLUNTEER SPACES via our Volunteer Job Calendar
High Knob Fire Tower, WV
George Washington and Jefferson National Forests
June 15-20
Capacity Per Session: 6 Volunteers (No Kitchen Helper)
On the rugged borderlands of West Virginia rises the only stone constructed tower of its kind east of the Mississippi, the High Knob Fire Tower! Last season volunteers rallied to begin restoration of the interior windows along with the stairwell and catwalk. This season we’re heading back for another round of epic views, continued window restoration, and a few necessary carpentry repairs.
On the western banks of Mono Lake sits Jan’s Place, a 135 acre property protected by its former owner Jan Simis who helped organize the DeChambeau Creek Conservation Easement, protecting DeChambeau creek and portions of the original Silvester and DeChambeau homsteads of the late 1800s.
Forest Lodge, WI
Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest
June 15-20 and June 22-27
Capacity Per Session: 7 Volunteers + 1 Kitchen Helper
At this point we can’t say we’re surprised to be heading back to Forest Lodge, our longest continuous volunteer opportunity stemming back to 2012! Join us for another season on the shores of Lake Namekagon as we preserve the iconic boat house, continue our window restorations on the guest house, and repair the chimney on the main lodge.
Meeker Cabin, SD
June 15-20, June 22-27, June 29 – July 4, and July 6-11
Capacity Per Session: 7 Volunteers + 1 Kitchen Helper
One of our favorite places to go is the Black Hills of South Dakota, and that’s where our next adventure is taking us! Join us to restore the Meeker Cabin just outside of Custer while we setup shop for four weeks of smooth volunteer work restoring the rustic cabin and making some much needed improvements.
Clay Butte Fire Lookout, WY
June 22-27 and June 29 – July 4
Capacity Per Session: 6 Volunteers (No Kitchen Helper)
The Clay Butte Fire Lookout is one of the premier lookouts surveying the Shoshone, America’s first National Forest. It was originally used to identify and manage forest fires before modern fire detection measures existed. Construction of the Clay Butte Fire Lookout began around 1942 by CCC crews who were disbanded and reallocated toward war effort. The lookout was later completed by members of the Shoshone National Forest.
Birch Creek Charcoal Kilns, ID
Caribou-Targhee National Forest
July 6-11, July 13-18, and July 20-25
Capacity Per Session: 7 Volunteers + 1 Kitchen Helper
Back by popular demand and plenty more preservation work to do, the Birch Creek Charcoal Kilns was one of 2024’s most sought after volunteer opportunities, and for good reason. Join us for this unique masonry opportunity accompanied by some spectacular mountain views while we restore the 1880s era kilns.
Camp Rabideau Pavilion, MN
July 13-18, July 20-25, and July 27 – August 1
Capacity Per Session: 7 Volunteers + 1 Kitchen Helper
Camp Rabideau, located inside the Chippewa National Forest of northern Minnesota, is an exemplary effort of preservation and curation. Built in the 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, Camp Rabideau is one the largest of hundreds of work camps developed from Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal aimed at countering the Great Depression by putting young men to work on public lands projects across the country and the site of our next HistoriCorps opportunity!
Gillespie Place, WY
Bureau of Land Management – Wyoming
July 13-18, July 20-25, July 27-August 1, and August 3-8
(SESSIONS 3 AND 4 HAVE BEEN CANCELLED)
Capacity Per Session: 7 Volunteers + 1 Kitchen Helper
Following our completion of the Lemley Mill and Miner’s Delight Cabin, we’re excited to continue our work with the Bureau of Land Management at Gillespie Place. We’re gonna need some grit and determination on this one as we get set to stabilize the structure, repair the roof, and take care of some rotting logs. We hope you’ll join us for a continuation our preservation work in this beautiful region on the heels of Wyoming’s Wind River Range!
North River Barn, VA
George Washington and Jefferson National Forests
July 20-25, July 27 – August 1, and August 3-8
Capacity Per Session: 6 Volunteers (No Kitchen Helper)
The North River Campground outside of Stokesville, VA is one of the first Civilian Conservation Corps camps constructed during the New Deal in the 1930s as part of a larger initiative to employ young men nationwide across various conservation projects in efforts to help boost the economy and lay frameworks for future public lands initiatives.
Jim Baker Cabin, WY
July 27 – August 1, August 3-8, August 10-15, and august 17-20
(NEW SESSIONS ADDED!)
Capacity Per Session: 6 Volunteers (No Kitchen Helper)
We’re excited to announce our next July project at the Jim Baker Cabin, hosted by the Little Snake River Museum located in southern Wyoming! The rustic cabin was built in 1873 by renowned frontiersman Jim Baker known for his exploits in trapping, hunting, an leadership during the Battle Mountain conflict of 1841. HistoriCorps is excited to share this one-of-a-kind opportunity with volunteers and we hope you’ll snag a spot while they are available!
Section House, CO
Pike-San Isabel National Forests and Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands
August 3-8, August 10-15, and August 17-22
Capacity Per Session: 7 Volunteers + 1 Kitchen Helper
Our next project is set at the fabled Section House located on the expansive Boreas Pass just south of Breckenridge along the Continental Divide. Stationed at a breathtaking 11,500 feet, Section House, along with the historic wagon era Ken’s Cabin, is one of the original stops along the Denver South Park & Pacific narrow gauge railway that ran from Denver to Leadville from the late 1800s into the early 1900s. This will be our second season restoring Section House and we hope you’ll join us for one of our most prolific Rocky Mountain volunteer opportunities of the year at our highest project elevation!
Dalton Lake Pavilion, SD
August 10-15 and August 17-22
Capacity Per Session: 7 Volunteers + 1 Kitchen Helper
The Dalton Lake Pavilion, tucked inside South Dakota’s rugged Black Hills, was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps between 1935-1936 as part of the Dalton Lake Campground, a popular spot for local campers. Last season we began work on the pavilion and we’re heading back to finish the job! Sign up today and look forward to seeing you in the Black Hills this August!
Hunter Creek Miner’s Cabin, CO
Hunter Creek Historical Foundation
August 24-29, August 31 – September 5, September 7-12, September 14-19, and September 21-26
Capacity Per Session: 7 Volunteers + 1 Kitchen Helper
The Hunter Creek Valley is a supremely popular and beautiful hiking area just outside of Aspen. During this HistoriCorps project, volunteers will get to experience a once-in-a-lifetime, all-inclusive trip to this internationally-renowned destination while also giving back through preserving the iconic Hunter Creek Miner’s Cabin. According to the Hunter Creek Historical Foundation, “This 60-acre site includes both pre-historic and historic components and has been identified by the Forest Service as officially eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Properties.
Cooper Cabin, CA (HardCorps)
August 24-29 and September 2-10 (8-day backcountry hitch!)
Capacity Per Session: 6 Volunteers (No Kitchen Helper)
Last season we made plans for one of our most anticipated HardCorps projects at the fabled Cooper Cabin in the sierra wilderness of the Stanislaus National Forest, north of Yosemite National Park. Whelp, as life happens, plans change and we had to postpone the project due to wildfires. Fingers crossed this is the season we make it happen! If you’re looking for an entry-level backcountry opportunity with HistoriCorps, we encourage you to signup and join us on one of our most anticipated projects of the season. This one is sure to be the redemption story of the year!
Custer Peak Fire Lookout, SD
August 31 – September 5
Capacity Per Session: 6 Volunteers (No Kitchen Helper)
The Custer Peak Fire Lookout Tower is one of the most exposed locations HistoriCorps will see this season. Volunteers on this small but mighty crew will experience a breathtaking work environment as we continue our preservation efforts from previous seasons. HistoriCorps is honored to continue the preservation initiatives of groups such as Passport In Time, who repaired sections of the Custer Peak Fire Lookout Tower in 2008. We hope you’ll join us this season as we work to preserve a structure that has played an important role in wildfire management both today and in years past. Join us in the Black Hills of South Dakota for a truly iconic week of HistoriCorps magic!
Homeplace Tool Barn, TN
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area – USDA Forest Service
August 31 – September 5, September 7-12, and September 14-19
Capacity Per Session: 7 Volunteers + 1 Kitchen Helper
Homeplace evokes the Civil War era in U.S. history through replicating a two-generation farm spanning the scenic, rolling landscape of northwest Tennessee. These days, interpreters in period clothing reenact daily chores on a real, working farm, where attention to details, routine, and craftsmanship is of the utmost importance. Our next round of repairs will have us preserving the historic Tool Barn for laundry list of comprised of log work and cedar shake roofing. Join us at the tail end of summer for another year at one of our most iconic project locations east of the Mississippi River!
Sherando Lake Beach House, VA
George Washington & Jefferson National Forest
September 7-12, September 14-19, September 21-26, and September 28 – October 3
Capacity Per Session: 6 Volunteers (No Kitchen Helper)
The Sherando Lake Recreation Area, located in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, boasts a history dating back to the early 20th century. Initially home to Indigenous peoples, the area experienced a surge of European settlement in the 18th century. By the 1930s, it underwent significant changes with the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, aiming to provide employment while conserving natural resources. This period saw the construction of Sherando Lake and its recreational facilities, establishing a foundation for public outdoor activities.
Brian Head Peak Overlook, UT
September 14-19, September 21-26, September 28 – October 3, and October 5-10
Capacity Per Session: 7 Volunteers + 1 Kitchen Helper
Brian Head Peak in Utah’s Dixie National Forest is a historic mason’s dream project and our next venue for HistoriCorps volunteers. Cresting over 11,000 feet in elevation, volunteers will reinforce the stone structure, revamp the roof of the overlook, and repair masonry walls. The Brian Head Overlook is an open-air stone shelter that graces the top of the Brian Head Peak. The shelter was constructed with materials that match the style of the overlook plans noted in the 1934 – 1938 Forest Service Recreation Handbook. The overlook base is constructed of natural stone and cement, with two arches on the north and south facing arches. With a project location just outside of Zion National Park, we encourage you to act fast before volunteer slots are filled!
Duck Bay Shelter, IL
September 14-19, September 21-26, and September 28-October 3
Capacity Per Session: 7 Volunteers + 1 Kitchen Helper
Following a successful restoration of the Goose Bay Shelter last season, we’ve been invited back to preserve the quaintest of picnic spots at the Duck Bay Shelter. With five volunteer sessions planned, we’re gonna need all the hands we can get to see this one through. Join HistoriCorps this fall and help carry our year off into the sunset while we wrap the season up in the beautiful Shawnee National Forest!
Hunter’s Cabin, CA
September 21-26, September 28 – October 3, and October 5-10
Capacity Per Session: 4 Volunteers (No Kitchen Helper)
The Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park is a unique park located in northeastern California’s Shasta County, and is one of the state’s most remote public parks. According to the California State Parks, Hunter’s Cabin is an early twentieth century structure with unknown origins. It has remained in a state of disrepair since California State Parks acquired the land in 1975. The park’s landscape has remained unchanged for years, and evidence of tribal use of the area is present in the fish traps within Crystal Springs that are still utilized by members of the Pit River Tribe to this day.
Mendocino Woodlands State Park Camp Two Cabins, CA
Mendocino Woodlands Camp Association
October 19-24, October 26-31, and November 2-7
Capacity Per Session: Session’s 1 & 3: 7 Volunteers + 1 Kitchen Helper / Session 2: 4 Volunteers (No Kitchen Helper)
Built by the Works Progress Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930’s as a Recreation Demonstration Area, the Mendocino Woodlands State Park was established to introduce the public to the wonders of nature through recreation and conservation. The campgrounds were created to retire submarginal agricultural and other lands, and repurpose them for recreational use. The entire park has continued to serve this original purpose without interruption since opening in 1938. The Mendocino Woodlands State Park is located within the traditional Pomo Indian territory, near the village site of bu’ldam.
High in the Sierra Mountains of California, in the backdrop of Eldorado National Forests’ western slope, is the Robbs Peak Fire Lookout Compound. Built during the Great Depression, the multi-structure compound consists of a primary fire observation cab and functional garage referred to as the “hut.” The two buildings at Robbs Peak were rebuilt by members of the Civilian Conservation Corps under orders from the USDA’s Region 5 planners who sought to expand the functional capabilities while improving the comforts for forestry workers spending fire seasons at the compounds.