On October 30, 2014, Northern Bedrock’s first crew completed a 4-week demonstration session, conducting various preservation projects around Minnesota. The organization’s goal for this demonstration session was to illustrate the effectiveness of the corps model for providing historic preservation services. During this 4 week session, Northern Bedrock staff and crew were provided with training, built relationships with project partners, and produced the following tangible outcomes:

  • 836 hours performing historic preservation services
  • 144 orientation and training hours
  • 213 volunteer hours
  • 45 volunteers engaged
  • 1,737 bricks cleaned of old mortar
  • 42 monuments cleaned and cleared
  • 16 monuments reset or straightened
  • 23 sq feet of end-grain log flooring restored
  • 2 – 7’X12′ barn doors rebuilt
  • 510 sq feet of soil regraded
  • 108 trees removed
  • 6,620 sq feet of historic landscape restored
  • 15 nights of camping provided by project partners
  • 5 potlucks provided by project partners!

The intangible outcomes of this demonstration session can be seen in the overwhelming positive response received from project partners, volunteers, and crew members:

  • “My favorite part of my Northern Bedrock experience was learning new skills; learning more hands-on experience.”
    –Meghan Weber, 2014 Corpsmember
  • “The young people were eager to work and learn. The team had an understanding of the importance of historic preservation and a passion to make it happen. The Armory Arts & Music Center was delighted to be able to host the Northern Bedrock for their initial training and to be one of their first projects. We look forward to an opportunity to work with them again!”
    –Mark Poirier, The Armory Arts & Music Center
  • “[The project Northern Bedrock completed] would not have been completed for many years, if at all.” We would “absolutely” partner with Northern Bedrock again.
    –Beau Liddell, MN Department of Natural Resources
  • “Thank you. You all were just wonderful. I will never forget you.”
    –Rachel Ukkestad, Oakwood Cemetery Association

A huge thank you, of course, to all of our project partners, camp hosts, and everyone that trained, volunteered and participated in the work projects with Northern Bedrock staff and crew! This Demonstration Session wouldn’t have been a success without your support.

Check out this video of Northern Bedrock’s crew  at McDougall Barn near Royalton, MN.