Preservation Field School and Repair of the Keane Wonder Aerial Tramway Towers at Death Valley National Park
Project ID: P19AC01164
Federal Agency: National Park Service
Partner Institution: University of Vermont and State Agriculture College
Fiscal Year: 2019
Initial Funding: $56,001
Total Funding: $56,001
Project Type: Technical Assistance
Project Disciplines: Interdisciplinary
National Park: Death Valley NP
Principal Investigator: Porter, Doug
Agreement Technical Representative: Skeirik, Randy
Agreement Technical Representative: Wilson, Kevin
Abstract: This project will provide educational training opportunities for volunteers and student assistants by participating in the preservation of a valued cultural resource, the Keane Wonder Aerial Tramway, at DEVA. The participants will receive direct experience in many aspects of a historic preservation project, especially as they apply to historic timbers, working closely with historic preservation professionals. Information and project products will be shared publicly on the park’s web site to increase awareness of the cultural value of the Tramway, and to increase knowledge and support for historic preservation and stewardship of the nation’s cultural and historical heritage.
B. Objectives
Investigators from the UVM and NPS staff will collaborate to accomplish the following specific objectives:
1. Identify, assess, and prioritize the stabilization and repair needs of Towers 5 and 6 of the Keane Wonder Aerial Tramway.
2. Develop and present various preservation options, and develop a repair plan based on the preservation goals of DEVA and NPS.
3. Conduct a field school to provide training in the repair techniques to be implemented in the repair of the towers.
4. Develop a report based on the results of assessment and repair work. The report will include a narrative description of the tasks completed, project goals realized, and project photo documentation.
5. Develop web-based informational and educational media content related to the project objectives and results, and post to DEVA’s website.