Preservation Skills Training
Learn by Doing
Since 2002, the Kentucky Heritage Council and Pine Mountain Settlement School[ ] have partnered to present an annual series of hands-on training events known as the Pine Mountain School for Practical Historic Preservation, featuring comprehensive hands-on workshops that are intense but fun. PMSS is a National Historic Landmark founded in 1913 and designed by architect Mary Rockwell Hook.
 Each workshop is led by dedicated and experienced instructors who take time off from full-time careers to help educate others in the skills needed to properly care for, repair and maintain historic buildings. Traditional construction methods are taught and practical preservation using modern techniques is emphasized.
Only significant historic buildings on or near the campus are used to demonstrate hands-on techniques. Participants perform actual work on thse historic school buildings that, while not endangered, are in need of maintenance and repair. Topics have focused on repair of plaster, wood shingles, steel and wood windows, masonry, log buildings, and rock fences. Sponsoring partners have included Preservation Trades Network[], Preservation Kentucky Inc.[], and the National Trust for Historic Preservation[], through use of a Kentucky Intervention Fund grant.
Not only do the buildings benefit, but these programs provide participants quality instruction and the opportunity to work on historic landmark sites that feature a variety of materials and construction methods. Students leave with the knowledge of using  both old and new tools to meet their preservation goals. To quote one student, an owner of a historic log building, "you have taught me methods to work on my building but more importantly you have given me the confidence that I can do the work."
The PMSS campus is located on 625 acres on the north side of Pine Mountain in Harlan County. Today, the private, nonprofit educational institution provides instruction in environmental education, Appalachian culture and crafts. Program participants are housed on site and enjoy meals and other amenities provided by this rural institution.
Since 2004, the Kentucky Heritage Council has also partnered with the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) to develop training curricula and offer preservation skills training workshops during the summer at various campuses across the state. Other partners in recent years have also included The Bluegrass Trust for Historic Preservation, owners of the Pope Villa in Lexington, and the University of Kentucky Department of Historic Preservation, a graduate program located within the College of Architecture.
Several workshops have been filmed by Appalshop Inc.[] in Whitesburg. For copies or information, contact Patrick Kennedy at patrick.kennedy@ky.gov or 502-564-7005, ext. 138.
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Preservation Skills Education Links |
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Preservation Trades Network
Andrea Urbas, PTN Executive Director
122 Manton Avenue, Box #7
Providence, RI 02909
(866) 853-9335
Email: info@ptn.org
Timber Framers Guild
PO Box 295, 9 Mechanic Street
Alstead, NH 03602-0295
(559) 834-8453
American College of the Building Arts
21 Magazine Street
Charleston, 29401
(843) 577-5245
Toll-free: (877) 283-5245
Email: info@buildingartscollege.us
Adventures in Preservation
1557 North Street
Boulder, CO 80304
(303) 444-0128
Fax: (775) 320-6837
Email: info@heritageconservation.net
Belmont College
120 Fox-Shannon Place
St. Clairsville, OH 43950
(740) 695-9500
Toll-free: 800-423-1188
College of the Redwoods
7351 Tompkins Hill Road
Eureka, CA 95501-9300
(707) 476-4100
Toll-free: 800-641-0400
Colorado Mountain College
Central Services Office
831 Grand Ave.
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Toll-free: 800-621-8559
North Bennet Street School
39 North Bennet Street
Boston, MA 02113
(617) 227-0155
Email: info@nbss.edu Kentucky Historic Preservation Conference
Since 1986 the Kentucky Heritage Council has coordinated a biennial statewide conference to focus attention on historic preservation efforts throughout Kentucky and to provide technical assistance and training to local organizations and community leaders. This conference has taken place in various communities across Kentucky. Historic places in each of these locations have served as the meeting backdrop to highlight successes and issues in preservation as well as provide a venue for Kentuckians to learn from guest speakers and presenters from other states and countries.
Following is a list of previous conferences and host communities:
September 4-6, 2008
Preserving the Spirit of Home – Bardstown
September 28-30, 2006
The ART of Preservation – Covington
Sept. 28-Oct. 3, 2004
Restore America: Communities at the Crossroads
National Historic Preservation Conference – Louisville
August 1-3, 2002
In Tune with Preservation – Centre College, Danville
May 18-20, 2000
Planning to Preserve – Louisville
September 11-13, 1997
Preserving Community – Bowling Green
September 21-23, 1995
Preserving Real Places – Lexington
September 22-25, 1993
Preserving the Diversity – Bardstown
September 26-28, 1991
Preservation in Profile – Covington
September 21-23, 1989
Partners in Preservation – Louisville
October 2-3, 1987
Preservation in Detail – Lexington
May 9-10, 1986
Preservation in Perspective – Louisville
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