We often hear conversations that people have on how government does or does not work whether on a local, state or national level. However, I don’t hear much conversation about what it is like to volunteer to work in government, in particular the National Park system or other agencies such as Fish and Wildlife.
For the last five years I have been a volunteer at three National Parks and found it to be a very rewarding experience and an opportunity to give back.
I always look for sites that have residential housing because I do not have an RV. The first two years I volunteered at Pictured Rock National Lakeshore in Grand Marais, Michigan. I learned much about both lighthouses and the light saving stations. The motto of the light saving stations was that you always had to go out to rescue, but you may not have to return.
I lived in the assistant light keeper’s residence; my duties included giving guided tours, running the museum and operating the Eastern National gift shop.
After two years there I applied for and was accepted at Stones River National Battlefield in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. I had to take four classes online and read many books.
I have learned so much of the complexity of this war that I never learned in high school. I also did historical documentation as well as work with school groups and the Junior Ranger program.
In addition to my out-of-state experiences I have volunteered one day a week at Grand Portage National Monument for the last two years. It is a treasure that we are blessed to have in our own back yard and I wonder how many of you have come to visit this gem. People from all over the world come to see this site and learn the history.
This winter I will be working at Cape Lookout National Seashore in the outer banks of North Carolina. I encourage you to explore this opportunity to become involved with government; it is a great way to give back and enrich your own life.
The website to visit is www.volunteer.gov.
Do come and visit us at Grand Portage!
Hillary Freeman
Grand Marais
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