HistoriCorps and Saline County, Illinois Seek Volunteers for Preservation Project
Date/Time
Date(s) - 04/19/2026 - 05/22/2026
12:00 am
Categories
Marion, IL–– HistoriCorps and Saline County, Illinois are seeking volunteers of all skill levels to help
rehabilitate the historic Saline County Poor House, with five week-long volunteer opportunities running
from April 19th – May 22nd. Those interested in volunteering can visit www.historicorps.org to register
for the project and learn more about other HistoriCorps volunteer opportunities. HistoriCorps is a
national 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to engaging volunteer workforces to preserve historic places and
provide free mentorship in the preservation trades.
Established in response to an 1839 state law requiring each county in Illinois to create an institution to
care for the area’s poor and vulnerable, the Saline County Poor House served as that haven for the
county’s most penurious residents. Originally housed in a makeshift structure, the poor house was
moved to the newly built brick building in 1877. For years, this building served as both a shelter for the
county’s poorest residents and an opportunity for these individuals to contribute back to the operation
of the grounds, as residents were required to work on the farm if able. This mirrored the social welfare
policy happening around the country at the time, as this was a common option for public welfare
provision during the 19th and early 20th centuries. While the house was critical for the area’s
underprivileged, residents were exposed to poor living conditions. As support for social welfare
programs gained traction across the country, county poor houses were eventually merged or shut down.
The Saline County Poor Farm soon followed, closing in the 1950s. Our Saline County Poor House
volunteer opportunity provides the unique chance to preserve a building associated with our country’s
social welfare administration. We’re honored to help preserve this structure that is so closely linked to
our country’s social history, and we hope you’ll join us in Illinois this spring!
More volunteers are still needed to ensure the success of this project. HistoriCorps welcomes but does
not require any experience in the trades; mentorship and all necessary tools are provided. Volunteer
sessions are scheduled Sunday evening through Friday morning, and volunteers can expect all meals to
be provided by expert field staff. Tents, truck-campers, campervans, and a few trailers up to 25 feet will
have access to our campground (Hookups are not available, come prepared to boondock). Dogs are
allowed, but due to city regulations, must be leashed at all times.
Project Details:
Location: Located about 22 miles east of Marion, IL.
Tasks: Our scope of work will address the North and South porches, as well as the House.
North Porch
• Remove, inspect, and repair porch framing to strengthen and stabilize internal porch
support.
• Reinstall porch flooring to strengthen floor system.
• Rebuild porch columns to support floor system.
• Recreate original historic profile of the rails by rebuilding missing elements.
• Replace missing lattice to enhance the structure’s decorative elements.
• Clean vines off the building to beautify the exterior.
• Prime and paint all bare wood and repaired sections to create visual appeal.
South Porch
• Paint porch to increase curbside appeal.
House
• Rehabilitate windows, trim, and screens to enhance the exterior façade.
• Prime and paint areas that need touch-up to enhance previous repairs.
• Enhance screens as needed.
• Reset/repoint failing brick to stabilize brick exterior.
• Repair soffits to increase ventilation, protect rafters from weather elements, and
increase aesthetic value.
• Paint soffits to increase aesthetic value.
• Salvage damaged areas and clean bricks.
Volunteer Dates:
Session 1: Sunday, April 29th – Friday, April 24th
Session 2: Sunday, April 26th – Friday, May 1st
Session 3: Sunday, May 3rd – Friday, May 8th
Session 4: Sunday, May 10th – Friday, May 15th
Session 5: Sunday, May 17th – Friday, May 22nd
For more information or to register for a volunteer session, visit www.historicorps.org, or
contact us at info@historicorps.org