Homestead National Monument Announces Volunteer of the Year

Volunteer of the Year Barb Guenther

NPS

Date: October 26, 2012
Contact: Merrith Baughman, 402-223-3514

Homestead National Monument of America recognized its volunteers on Sunday, October 21, 2012. Over 630 volunteers provided 28,000 plus hours of service in the last year. One person provided over 1,200 hours, three people provided over 500 hours; 19 provided over 250 hours; 54 provided over 100 hours; 91 provided over 50 hours; and 135 provided over 25 hours. Each year one person is recognized as the Volunteer of the Year based on the most impact to the park as a whole. The 2012 Volunteer of the Year was Barb Guenther

Barb Guenther has created a lasting impact on Homestead National Monument of America through her involvement in many programs areas. She is present at most park events. She may be handing out water, parking cars, or even setting up chairs. She's a guide at Pioneer Days and Heartland Storytelling Festival. She assists yearly with the set up of the Winter Festival of Prairie Cultures exhibits. When launching a new project, she was the first to volunteer to index the newest scanned images of the Land Entry Case Files. She engages youth in the park's story through her participation in the Reading Ranger program. As a descendant of a homesteader, she could be found carrying a flag from one of the homesteading states during the 150th Anniversary and Homestead Days. During the time the Homestead Act was on display assisted in many ways: leading schools or interacting with visitors. She represented the National Park Service throughout the region in community parades as well as delivering rackcards to surrounding communities. She care for the natural resources of the monument by collecting native seeds from the tallgrass prairie. She sees what needs to be done and either does it herself or finds an employee to do it. No matter when you see her, you are sure to encounter her wonderful smile which becomes contagious to the people around her.

"Volunteers are a vital part of the operation at Homestead National Monument of America. The programs we offer and the projects completed are dependent on assistance from our volunteers." stated monument Superintendent Mark Engler.

In 2013, Homestead National Monument of America will continue to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the signing of the Homestead Act by focusing on the people who homesteaded. Many volunteers will be needed for the upcoming planned events. If interested in volunteering, please attend the monthly volunteer meetings on first Tuesday of the month at 10 a.m. at the Education Center. If you cannot attend the meetings, please contact Volunteer Manager Susan Cook at 402-223-3514 or [e-mail].

Homestead National Monument of America is a unit of the National Park Service located four miles west of Beatrice, Nebraska. Current hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends. Admission is free of charge. For additional information, please call 402-223-3514 or visit www.nps.gov/home.