NPS

Gary Higgins Volunteer of the Year

Gary Higgins Announced Volunteer of the Year at Homestead National Monument of America. Gary Higgins was honored as the Volunteer of the Year at Homestead National Monument of America on Sunday, September 28, 2008, at the annual Volunteer Recognition event. Volunteers are an integral part of the operation at Homestead National Monument of America. Because of the number of programs the monument offers, many of them would not be possible without the assistance of volunteers. “We are very fortunate and honored to have these tremendous volunteers involved in the monument. Over the past year nearly 500 people have volunteered close to 10,000 hours of service.” stated Superintendent Mark Engler. Gary Higgins has been behind the scenes doing special projects for many years. He has developed and led special, unique programs which create meaningful opportunities for the visitors to learn about historic farming practices. He rarely works alone, but has the help of Frank and Abraham, his draft horse team. He is a member of the team that organizes Pioneer Days and the activities on the prairie demonstration area for Homestead Days. He used his team and sod cutting plow to build a partial sodhouse which stands for students and visitors to learn about early pioneer homes. He has also used his skills to assist the staff in landscaping the land around the Heritage Center including using horses and a check row planter to plant the cornfield currently north of the Heritage Center. Homestead National Monument of America honored all of its volunteers at a special reception. Several special awards were presented. Fleece jackets were given as awards to volunteers providing 100 or more hours of service. They include: Glenda Boesiger, Glen and Avis Brinkman, Dennis Carmichael, Jerry and Joan Davison, Rhonda Eddy, Denise Elmer, John Fiala, Bob Hancock, Gary Higgins, Marjorie Huls, Tara Jardine, Bernadette Korslund, Arvilla Noerrlinger, Delma Paul, Tom and Eileen Shirk, Vicki Martin of Lincoln, Larry Coudeyras, Steph Kramer of Dallas, Texas, Anita Olsen of Washington State, and Lette Kraft of Lincoln, Nebraska. For information on volunteering at the monument, contact the Monument’s Volunteer Manager Susan Cook at 402-223-3514.

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Volunteers tour President Harry S. Truman Home

Volunteers assist at all levels at Homestead National Monument of America. There are volunteers that assist with administration. Some are project leaders for nationally recognized research. Students, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and 4-H groups often help with projects. Volunteers of all ages help at special events and demonstrate various skills and tasks of successful pioneers. If you would like to volunteer contact Park Ranger Susan Cook at (402)223-3514.