Jonesboro, Illinois - May 4, 2007 Heritage Conservation Network and the Kornthal Union County Memorial are looking for volunteers to join a hands-on effort this summer to preserve the Kornthal Parsonage in Jonesboro, Illinois. The two groups are organizing two weeks of workshops at the charming, Queen Anne style building from July 15-21 and July 22-28.

Work at the site will be led by restoration contractor Bill Black, Jr. of Ray Black and Sons in Paducah, Kentucky. Mr. Black will teach and guide participants as they work, making this workshop an opportunity not only to help build a future for the past but also an opportunity to learn or hone up on preservation carpentry skills. The focus of the work will be on preserving the distinctive porches and making roof and siding repairs. “The house needs a lot of work,” says Duane Hileman of the Kornthal Union County Memorial. “The more people who come out to help, the closer we’ll get to restoring this grand old house.” No experience is necessary, just an appreciation for historic houses and a willingness to work hard.

Workshop participants will gather Sunday evening at the site for a welcome dinner and get right to work Monday morning. Pre-registration is required; a workshop fee covers participants’ expenses for lodging, meals, instruction and insurance. Complete workshop details and registration information are available from www.heritageconservation.net/ws-kornthal.htm or by calling HCN at +1 303 444 0128.

In addition to volunteers, the project also needs donations of building materials and supplies. For information on supporting this community effort, contact Duane Hileman at +1 618 833 8745.

The c. 1905 parsonage is a two-story Queen Anne style building located in rural Union County. The church and parsonage are the last remnants of a 19th century settlement of Austrian immigrants who named the region “kornthal” – valley of grain – because it reminded them of their homeland. The Kornthal Union County Memorial recently finished restoring the Kornthal Church. Both structures are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

About HCN
Heritage Conservation Network is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of architectural heritage around the world. HCN produces an annual series of hands-on building conservation workshops in association with local preservation partners in order to further the sites’ preservation and provide an educational experience for participants.