Four buildings at Independence Mine State Historical Park to be preserved through recent grant

WASILLA — The Mat Su Trails and Parks Foundation recently announced that the Independence Mine State Historical Park is set to receive historic restoration and preservation work over the next three years thanks to a recent 1.3 million dollar grant from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust after partnering with the Department of Natural Resources Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation.

“Independence Mine State Historical Park has been a draw for tourists from all over the world, and there is so much potential for providing a more profound visitor experience,” DPOR Director Ricky Gease stated in a recent press release. “We rely on partnerships with many non-profit and friend groups across the state supporting our operations and this is a shining example of how that partnership with MSTPF and the support of the Helmsley Charitable Trust will make an incredible difference for preserving this historic site.”

According to the press release, MSTPF will manage Grant funding and coordinate with private contractors and consultants with oversight from the State Historic Preservation Office to make repairs and upgrades to the Managers House, Bunk House 1, Bunk House 2, and the Mess Hall.

Work will be focused on exterior areas in need of repair, starting with an in-depth assessment and developing a complete scope of work for contractors to complete over the next three years.

“This is a rare opportunity for the state to partner with MSTPF on a project of this scope,” Superintendent of the Mat-Su Region, Stuart Leidner stated in the press release. “We are grateful to the Helmsley Charitable Trust for supporting this project and look forward to sharing progress on this historic restoration project as it moves forward. The high level of these facility improvements have simply been out of reach for us with current funding. With MSTPF’s willingness to partner with us, we can make a real impact on this piece of our history.”

For more information, call 907-746-8757 or visit matsutrails.org.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com