On this last day of Historic Preservation Month, I’m remembering where and when my passion for historic buildings began – on a visit to Monticello when I was 7. I took this photo on a more recent visit.
The grand homes of “Great Men” were the focus of early preservation efforts and the interpretation of them was exclusively concerned with those men and their immediate families. In recent decades recognition has grown that these buildings are also monuments to the people who actually built them, maintained them, and did the labor that paid for them, often enslaved people.
The historic preservation movement in the U.S. started with the restoration of landmark homes like Monticello. Although none of us will ever own a house of this significance, the lessons learned in its restoration can be applied to our own efforts.
“Restoring Your Historic House, The Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners” includes information on the methods and materials used in restoring major landmarks, historic tax credit rehabs, and private home restorations to show the widest range of options to solve the issues in your house.
The 720-page award-winning and best-selling hardcover book is available in bookstores and from online retailers.
Signed and personalized copies are available from the author in the shop on this site, https://yourhistorichouse.com/shop/.
Bookstores can order copies from W.W. Norton.
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