On Thursday, Nov. 13, the historical society's board of directors showed its appreciation to approximately 100 volunteers for the contributions they have made throughout the past year. High on the list of accomplishments were the total number of man-hours donated at the society's two sites. According to Roxie Schroeder, board member, at least 1,448 hours were logged at the museum and another 848 hours were logged at the Schowengerdt House. Schroeder said the combined hours calculate to more than $15,000 minimum wage hours. Boy Scout Troop 22 is one of the hardest-working groups to commit manpower and ingenuity to the society. In the past year, two Eagle Scout projects have been completed at the Schowengerdt House. Benjamin Tappmeyer recently restored a lawn glider swing, while Trace Coleman fashioned a garden bench with brick and historic bank stones. Nick Herzog is currently working on a Scout Life project, restoring an antique cast-iron garden urn which will be placed on a brick pad in the garden area next spring. Micah Johnson restored a water pump for his Scout Life Project last year. In a few weeks, Johnson will begin his Eagle Scout project, restoring a wooden archway and bench originally built in the 1920s. "I've learned about the important families in Warrenton, the land they owned and what's become of it," said Johnson. "I've always been interested in history. I'm getting to work hands-on with it. That's important to me. Maybe in the future, if I stay in the Warrenton area, I'll join the historical society. It's important to me to preserve its history." Johnson said the historical society provides plenty of projects for Troop 22 and the members enjoy tackling them. Another dedicated group has put their green thumbs to work at the Schowengerdt House. Sally McLuckie, who has professional landscaping design experience, heads up a group of at least 10 volunteers who meet every Tuesday during gardening weather to bring new life to the grounds. "I've always thought it would be really cool to have a botanical garden somewhere," said McLuckie. "We want to replicate the old gardens, bring in some new ideas and make the garden area its own exhibit. Our goal is to make it possible for people to tour the gardens, too." Jason Zwyers, president of the Warren County Old Threshers Association, said the threshers have formed a unique partnership with the historical society. "We were asked to barbecue for the historical society during one of its events a couple of years ago," he said. "We brought along displays from our museum and found that the two groups benefit each other. We now partner on a lot of projects." Schroeder said volunteers are vital to the health of the society and its goal to preserve Warren County history. "I had a hard time determining their total hours," she said. "They just keep logging in those volunteer hours. Aren't they awesome?"