Historic Happenings Blog

Preservation in Practice: A Primer for Historic Preservation Commissions and Planners This one-day workshop is open to all preservationists, but it is specifically geared toward those serving on a local commission. This program is designed to benefit both new and experienced commission members and will also be relevant for planning and zoning board members and elected officials. The course provides an in-depth examination of current topics and issues relevant to integrating preservation into community planning and zoning. Focus will be on legal parameters for implementing a commission, conducting an effective public meeting, and understanding and implementing tools to foster good preservation at the local level. Instructors:  Janine Baur, Esq., Jonathan Kinney, and Barton Ross, RA Date(s): Saturday, April 25, 2020 Time: 9:00AM - 4:00PM Cost: $75 Click for more information and to register!  

What's New in History  Do you want to learn more about the latest trends in history and public history and how you might apply them where you work, live, or volunteer? Join us and read up on the latest in African American history, LGBTQ+ history, disability history and more. Meet local museum professionals who have experience interpreting people, places, and events within the context of these themes and making visitors and staff who identify with these and other groups feel welcome. Instructor: Nicole Belolan Date(s): Thursdays, April 2 - April 30, 2020 Time 6:30PM - 8:30PM  Cost: $150 Click for more information and to register!

Preservation Planning  This course provides an overview of urban planning as it relates to the preservation field, with a specific emphasis on the history of planning, planning processes, land use laws in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and economic development best practices at the municipal level. Students will learn through lectures, hands-on activities, and at-home assignments.  Instructor: Meredith Johnson Date(s): Mondays, March 9 - March 11, 2020 Time: 6:30PM - 8:30PM Cost: $275 Click for more information and to register! 

Materials and Techniques for Historic Restoration and Rehabilitation This course offers an overview of different materials commonly used in this region and the techniques for their repair. Materials to be examined are: masonry (stone, brick, concrete, terra cotta, mortar), wood, finishes, plaster, and metals. The class will discuss techniques utilized to read historic evidence in buildings and be introduced to rehabilitation codes.  Instructor: Bob Russell  Date(s): Wednesdays, February 26 - April 29, 2020 Time: 6:30PM - 8:30PM Cost: $275 Click for more information and to register! 

Taking Care of Buildings: Stewardship for Historic Structures Historic Preservation at MARCH About:  At museums and historic sites, the historic building has often been described as the largest object in the collection. How do you take care of it? Whether your organization is all volunteer or employs paid staff, this workshop will assist participants in planning for long term maintenance and preservation, identifying areas of concern, and minimizing building emergencies. Often, once a capital project has been completed, the organization files away project documents and forgets about the building until the next emergency occurs. This is not a cost effective or sustainable strategy to ensure that the significant and character defining features will be preserved for future generations. Developing a plan for maintenance will help you identify problems before they become major projects. In this workshop, participants will learn from seminar-style disccussion and hands-on learning, inclu...