How to be part of McHenry County living history

Submitted by McHenry County Conservation District

McHenry County Conservation District is looking for volunteers to help make the 25th annual “Trail of History” come to life the weekend of Oct. 19-20. Opportunities exist for families, small groups and individuals. No experience is needed, and volunteers can choose from morning or afternoon shifts on Saturday or Sunday. To learn more, come to the orientation for new Trail of History volunteers from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22, at Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood.

This “living history” event portrays life from 1670-1850 in the former Northwest Territory. Volunteers dress in period costumes and step back in time to demonstrate everyday activities of settler life at interactive historical stations.

They may choose to portray a teacher at the Frontier Schoolroom; help visiting children make cornhusk dolls; make beeswax candles over an open fire; engage in military scenarios; or introduce visitors to the life of an apprentice servant. Other volunteer positions include cooking traditional foods over an open fire at the historical kitchen, or helping visiting children dress up in historical attire.

Volunteers wearing their everyday clothing are also needed to greet the public at the entrance, explain the geological history of McHenry County, and keep the event grounds tidy.

To volunteer at this popular tradition that has drawn more than 10,000 people to Glacial Park each fall for the past 25 years, join in at the Aug. 22 orientation or contact volunteer coordinator Denice Beck at (815) 338-6223, ext. 1229 for more information.