FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Johnathan Campbell
April 12, 2008
(701) 328-9528

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT FORMER GOVERNORS’ MANSION,
CAMP HANCOCK SITES IN BISMARCK, TRAINING SESSIONS SET FOR MAY 3

BISMARCK – From greeting visitors to helping with special programs and events, the state’s history agency, the State Historical Society of North Dakota, is looking for volunteers to help at the two historic sites it manages in downtown Bismarck – the Former Governors’ Mansion and Camp Hancock State Historic Sites. 

Training sessions at the two sites will be held Saturday, May 3.

A training session will be held at the Former Governors’ Mansion from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.  New and returning volunteers will learn about the changes that have taken place at the mansion during the winter.  These changes include the remodeling of the back shed of the mansion into a visitors’ center, and the return of the dining room table.  Volunteers are hosts who greet visitors and provide orientation about the historic preservation of the mansion.  Hosts also assist with special events at the site, including the popular Lawn Party held each August.

The Former Governors’ Mansion State Historic Site is open from May 16 through September 15, Wednesdays through Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m., as well as the second Friday and Saturday of each month during winter.  The mansion is located at the corner of Fourth Street and Avenue B.

A training session will also be held Saturday, May 3 at Camp Hancock from 2 to 4 p.m.  Volunteers will learn about Camp Hancock’s history and future plans to enhance the site. Volunteers are needed to greet and answer questions from visitors and help maintain the site yard, especially the flower beds.  Volunteers are also needed to help with fundraising for preservation of the Northern Pacific Railway locomotive located at the Camp Hancock site.

Camp Hancock State Historic Site is open from May 16 through September 15, Wednesdays through Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m., and is located at 101 West Main Street.

For more information about the May 3 training sessions, call Johnathan Campbell at 328-9528 or email at jcampbell@nd.gov.

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