HistoriCorps: Keys Ranch Teacher’s House, CA 2025

We’re headed to California’s Joshua Tree National Park to preserve the legendary Keys Ranch!

PROJECT PARTNER: Joshua Tree National Park

SESSION DATES: October 19-24, October 26-31, November 2-7, and November 9-14

CAPACITY PER SESSION: 7 Volunteers + 1 Kitchen Helper (Sessions 1 and 2)

4 Volunteers (No Kitchen Helper) (Sessions 3 and 4)

PROJECT SUPERVISOR: Matthew Sanford

ASSISTANT PROJECT SUPERVISOR: Aaron Smith

CREW LEADER: Eoin McLaughlin

Scope of Work

HistoriCorps is committed to educating and training volunteers in preservation skills, with an overarching mission of inspiring a preservation ethic in all those involved. Learning and working alongside expert HistoriCorps field staff and other volunteers while applying the traditional skills necessary to restore Key’s Ranch, you will assist to:

• Remove deteriorated mortar and replace with new mortar application to improve the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of the North House and Store House.
• Re-roof the North House building to extend the roof lifespan.
• Repair and replace siding on the North House, Storehouse, Schoolhouse (North and South), and Guesthouse to prevent further deterioration and damage of the underlying structure.
• Repair doors and door jambs to allow proper closure, ensure security, and enhance appearance of the North House, Storehouse, Schoolhouse (North), and Machine Shed.
• Repair the North House, Storehouse, Schoolhouse (North and South), and Guest House windows, screen materials, and jambs as needed to ensure proper fit. 
• Secure vertical support post to roof truss of the Machine Shed to address loose areas and reinforce structure.
• Maintain landscape and historic orchard trees to encourage healthy growth of living limbs and elevate the surrounding environment.
• Improve the picnicking and recreational experience for visitors through the repair of a historic picnic table.
• If schedules align, assist Matt Sanford (USFS) and Harpers Ferry technicians with other preservation work on site.
• Other preservation tasks as determined with NPS staff. 

Please note: Tasks vary by day and by week, depending on a variety of factors including: weather, project priorities, previous groups’ work, and more. Though it is likely you will get to learn and practice most or all of the above tasks, it is not guaranteed. The higher percentage of the scope a particular task is, the more likely you will get to practice it.

Click here for more information about this volunteer opportunity and registration!