Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear offers tours of historic farms
From staff reports
Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear (PHSB) preserves historic buildings and landscapes in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, but also provides ways for people to learn from and understand the history of these symbols of our past. This summer a number of interpretive programs are being offered that get people out on the landscape and inside some of the historic farmsteads of the Port Oneida Rural Historic District.
On Thursday, July 11, visitors may partake in the first of two guided historical Farm Tours with “Ranger Bill” from 7-9 p.m. Bill Herd is a retired Interpretive Ranger who gave tours of all kinds to thousands of visitors over his 30 plus years with the National Lakeshore. He now serves on the Board of Directors of PHSB and loves to share his knowledge and enthusiasm about the history there.
Participants will visit four farms and learn about the buildings and how their design and function supported the farm, as well as the general history of the Port Oneida Community. Those wishing to participate should meet at the Charles and Hattie Olsen Farm 15 minutes before the tour starts. This is the first of the farm tours being organized by PHSB this summer, the second taking place on Thursday, July 25 at 7 p.m.
PHSB is a partner group of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore committed to preserving and interpreting the historic structures and landscapes within the Park. Reservations are not required. For details contact 231-334-6103 or visit Phsb.org.
