Since the launch of the Campaign for Historic Trades, a unique new partnership between Preservation Maryland and the National Historic Preservation Training Center, nearly 60 apprentices have been placed across the country in some of the nation’s most historic and stunning national parks.
The Dogan Houses, Manassas Battlefield, ca. 1960. Photo from Manassas Battlefield National Park.
Veterans Rehabilitate Manassas Battlefield Structure
Among the impressive projects impacted by this traditional trades apprenticeship program, five veterans, supported by a grant from Tauck Tours, assisted in the rehabilitation of the Mary Ellen Dogan House on the Manassas Battlefield, which is one of only two surviving structures located in the 19th-century village of Groveton, Virginia. The group was assigned to stabilize the structure, which is the first of a three-phase process of restoring the property. During their assignment, the group removed the non-contributing carport and shed that were attached to the house, stabilized the foundation under the crawl space, and weatherized the exterior.
The second phase will include a complete historic analysis and the third phase will be a partial restoration of the exterior. This will include:
- a study of materials/methods used while building,
- repair of stone foundation, replacement of the roof,
- and possible restoration of exterior windows, doors, and clapboard siding.
Through Campaign for Historic Trades partnership with the National Park Service, the goal is to restore this structure so that future visitors to Manassas Battlefield can learn more of the story of the Second Battle of Manassas that engulfed the property.
2020 Apprenticeship Opportunities Coming Soon
Individuals interested in learning more about next year’s apprenticeship opportunities are encouraged to submit their information now through the Campaign’s online portal – and a representative will be in touch when the official application period opens in the coming months.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN FOR HISTORIC TRADES