To Preserve, Protect, and Honor the Natural and Cultural Heritage of Bent’s Old Fort
Through Public Awareness, Program Support and Education
Site Last Updated on
August 4, 2011
Volunteering at Bent’s Old Fort and BOFHA
There are many different ways to volunteer at Bent's Old Fort NHS and in fiscal year 2007 139 volunteers from 10 states donated over 5,000 hours of time. In past years volunteers have helped with collection of entrance fees and retail sales in the Bookstore, and with natural resources projects including bird population surveys, non-native weed control efforts, and data logging. For those who wish to volunteer for a more prominent role there is the Trails and Rails program and special, living history events at the fort. For more information about volunteering at Bent's Old Fort NHS please contact Greg Holt at (719) 383-5023.
The Trails and Rails Program takes place aboard Amtrak's Southwest Chief between La Junta and Albuquerque, New Mexico. Volunteers ride the train and describe the natural, cultural and historical features along the route. The program begins in May and run through to September.
Living history volunteers come together for special events such as the "Educator's Encampment," "Santa Fe Trail Caravan," "Trappers Rendezvous," "Holiday Celebration" and other similar programs. The Park
Living history volunteers come together for special events such as the "Educator's Encampment," "Santa Fe Trail Caravan," "Trappers Rendezvous," "Holiday Celebration" and other similar programs. The Park
does have high standards for its living history volunteers in order not to perpetuate myths or other historical errors. "If they'd a had it they'd a used it," a phrase often heard at rondyvoos, is simply not acceptable for Bent's Fort living history volunteers. Many of the Park's living history volunteers have
participated in the Educator's Encampment and so know what is expected of them.
Volunteering at the Fort is not limited only to interested individuals. Living history groups such as the US Corp of Topographical Engineers also participate in special living history events. This group portrays the history and techniques of the Corps from its inception through the Civil War. For special events at Bent’s Old Fort this group specifically portrays its links to the Fort at the time of the Mexican-American War. In order for a living history group to participate in events at Bent’s Old Fort, the focus of the group must be appropriate to both the time and place.
Volunteering at the Fort is not limited only to interested individuals. Living history groups such as the US Corp of Topographical Engineers also participate in special living history events. This group portrays the history and techniques of the Corps from its inception through the Civil War. For special events at Bent’s Old Fort this group specifically portrays its links to the Fort at the time of the Mexican-American War. In order for a living history group to participate in events at Bent’s Old Fort, the focus of the group must be appropriate to both the time and place.
If you or your group wish to participate as a volunteer at a living history event and have not previously done so, you absolutely must contact Greg Holt at Bent's Old Fort (719) 383-5023 prior to the event.
In addition to activities at Bent's Old Fort, volunteers also assist BOFHA at events put on by other historical organizations such as the Oregon-California Trails Association, South Platte Valley Historical Society-History Day, and the Colorado Muzzle Loading Association-Winter Convention.
BOFHA members also conduct historical research into numerous topics which relate directly and indirectly to Bent's Old Fort. Topics currently being pursued include the location of the original Bent's Stockade, papers, documents and inventories related to Bent's Fort and competing forts of the time, types of trade goods available, labeling and marking of goods, etc.
If you might be interested in helping out with events or research contact BOFHA at Volunteers to learn more.
In addition to activities at Bent's Old Fort, volunteers also assist BOFHA at events put on by other historical organizations such as the Oregon-California Trails Association, South Platte Valley Historical Society-History Day, and the Colorado Muzzle Loading Association-Winter Convention.
BOFHA members also conduct historical research into numerous topics which relate directly and indirectly to Bent's Old Fort. Topics currently being pursued include the location of the original Bent's Stockade, papers, documents and inventories related to Bent's Fort and competing forts of the time, types of trade goods available, labeling and marking of goods, etc.
If you might be interested in helping out with events or research contact BOFHA at Volunteers to learn more.
