Last updated: March 15, 2023
Article
Volunteer Excellence at Fort Stanwix National Monument
A view of volunteer experiences at Fort Stanwix National Monument; its members and their work, the history, and their achievements.
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2020 George and Helen Hartzog Award: Digital Youth Corps
The Digital Youth Corps at Fort Stanwix National Monument lent their expertise in to help the park create virtual content. Their creativity and commitment keeping people connected during the COVID-19 pandemic is being applauded with a George and Helen Hartzog Award for excellence in volunteerism.
- Duration:
- 2 minutes, 27 seconds
2021 — Fort Stanwix National Monument Volunteers were presented the 2020 National and Regional George and Helen Hartzog Youth Group Awards for their behind-the-scenes work. The “Digital Youth Corps” greatly assisted the park by developing virtual content needed to share park stories during the COVID-19 pandemic. The DYC consisted of youths ages 7 to 18, including Louisa M., Abigail M., and Ivory C. and Sarah W.
The volunteers participating in this project worked together to create and develop virtual content for social media platforms so that visitors could experience the park at home. This included a virtual field trip for YouTube, posters and biographies on women from the American Revolution, and other assistance with social media. “This is a remarkable achievement for our youth volunteers and the park. What is even more amazing is this was done during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Park Superintendent Kevin Wyrick, “The tremendous efforts by these fine young people, without any form of compensation, exemplifies their character. They were committed and resilient and it is gratifying to know we are in such good hands with these future stewards.”
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40 for 40: The Garrison
Fort Stanwix National Monument's original volunteer organization, became known as "The Garrison." These men, women, and their families served the park and it's visitors from 1975, the year before it officially opened, till the late 1980s.
- Duration:
- 3 minutes, 44 seconds
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40 for 40: Faces of the Fort, Joe O.
Who will you meet when you come to visit the park? Joe, a long-time volunteer who has been at the park since 1975, is just one of the many faces that will help guide you on your journey!
- Duration:
- 1 minute, 37 seconds
National Park Service
2017 — As the National Park Service wraps up National Volunteer Week, one Volunteer-In-The-Parks at Fort Stanwix National Monument was celebrated. George Walters was awarded the NPS George and Helen Hartzog Outstanding Individual Service Award for the Northeast Region. Dedicating 21 years of service to the park, George Walters has contributed over 12,000 hours to further the NPS mission of resource stewardship and public engagement at the park. Keith Routley, the Chief of the Division of Cultural Resources at Fort Stanwix National Monument noted that "George has volunteered in the Division of Cultural Resources since 2009 and is among the most exceptional volunteers I have ever had the pleasure to work with."
A retired Price Analyst for the Air Force Research Laboratory, George had no prior experience working with archeological resources, museum collections, or living history programs. He adventurously pursued his curiosity in the site’s local history and has become a staple to the interpretive program at the park. George has also had the opportunity to work with the museum collection and aid in the installment of the most recent exhibit titled “From Memory to Monument” which is now open to the public at the park’s Visitor Center and at Rome Historical Society.
Former NPS Director George Hartzog and his wife Helen established the Volunteers-In-Parks Program to make it easier for citizens to donate their time and talents to the NPS. During his announcement of the program on November 17, 1970, Director Hartzog stated “When a VIP agrees to share his talents, skills and interests with the National Park Service, he is paying us one of the highest compliments possible by offering a most valued possession – his time.” Today, more than 246,000 VIPs donate their time to the National Park Service every year.
The Hartzog Award honors VIPs who have donated their skills and talents beyond the normal call of duty. “Volunteers are a key component to the success of any park,” said Superintendent Frank Barrows, “and George embodies the purpose of Hartzog’s vision to enable people access to their parks and allow them to seek out extraordinary experiences while donating their unique skillsets to better these nationally significant sites and resources.”
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40 for 40: Faces of the Fort, George W.
Who will you meet when you come to visit the park? George, a long-time volunteer, is just one of the many faces that will help guide you on your journey!
- Duration:
- 1 minute, 40 seconds
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40 for 40: Friends of the Fort, Amy
Amy was a long time staff and volunteer member at Fort Stanwix National Monument. Her favorite memories include time spent with her father.
- Duration:
- 1 minute, 19 seconds
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40 for 40: Faces of the Fort, Dael & Symon
Dael and Symon are a part of the extended fort family who just happen to be family! Proof that doing something you love with someone you love can bring you closer together.
- Duration:
- 1 minute, 27 seconds
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Friends of Fort Stanwix, Andrew C.
Part of the original "Fort Stanwix Garrison," Andrew C. volunteered with his family in the early years of the park, and has some special memories of his time here!
- Duration:
- 1 minute, 26 seconds
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40 for 40: Faces of the Fort, Bob A.
Who will you meet when you come to visit the park? Bob, a long-time volunteer and former park ranger, is just one of the many faces that will help guide you on your journey!
- Duration:
- 1 minute, 41 seconds
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Friends of the Fort, The Bates Family
Meet the Bates Family; three generations who all claim Fort Stanwix as their park.
- Duration:
- 1 minute, 21 seconds