The Friends of Walker Tavern invite the local community to join them in celebrating spring with ice cream, vintage baseball, and volunteer opportunities this Sunday, April 27.  Walker Tavern Historic Site's annual spring cleanup will take place from noon to 2 p.m., and everyone who stops by the Visitors Center at Walker Tavern will get a free root beer float made with Walker Tavern's own brand of old-style root beer.  Visitors also can pick up a schedule of events for the 2008 season and learn about other volunteer opportunities.  Those who want to help with the cleanup should bring a pair of gloves and work clothes.

Over 100 people - men and women, young and old - volunteered at Walker Tavern last year, helping to bring history to life for visitors.  Volunteers started a museum store, planted gardens, assisted with school tours, talked with visitors about local history and helped with special events.

"We need even more help this year, so come find out what you can do," said Cheryl Valentine, Walker Tavern site historian.  "You may discover a fun way that you can help make this a great season at Walker Tavern."

One of the site's exciting new events this year is vintage baseball.  The Wheels Base Ball Club of Walker Tavern will have its spring training after the cleanup, starting at 3 p.m. on Sunday.  The team will play by the baseball rules in effect during the Civil War era.  The typical game combines the sport of baseball with history and theater, entertaining players and fans alike.  Anyone who might be interested in playing on the team or offering support - the team is looking for an umpire, scorekeeper and fans - is invited to come to the spring training.

Walker Tavern is located in Brooklyn, next to the Michigan International Speedway in the Irish Hills region.  Situated at the historic crossroads of M-50 and the U.S. 12 Heritage Trail, Walker Tavern is just 35 miles west of Ann Arbor.

The Department of Natural Resources and the Department of History, Arts and Libraries jointly administer Walker Tavern.  Walker Tavern Historic Site is part of the Michigan Historical Museum System, which is fully accredited by the American Association of Museums.  For more information visit www.michigan.gov/walkertavern or call (517) 467-4401, TDD (517) 373-1592.

Read more press releases from the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL).