I took this photo while visiting one of the historic rehab projects I am consulting on this week. Thirty feet up on scaffolding in Maine, in January, experienced masons, slate roofers, coppersmiths, carpenters, and roofers were working on this Second Empire gem. Thank you, Historic Trades Workers!
These folks are the unsung heroes of the preservation movement! Happily, I increasingly see a younger and more diverse workforce when I visit projects. Ten years ago, the crews were almost exclusively male and often well past 40 years old. The skills and techniques needed for preservation work differ from those used in new construction.
Most trade schools do not teach the “old ways” of building, and the skills must be passed on from experienced people to those who want to learn them, usually on job sites like this one. Much of the country has a shortage of historic trades workers, and a number of preservation organizations are working to create programs to train new workers in these traditional building skills. The non-profit Preservation Trades Network (ptn.org) is one of the leaders in this effort.
“Restoring Your Historic House, The Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners” includes information on how to find contractors experienced in historic preservation as well as suggestions for developing your own DIY skills.
Signed and personalized copies are available in our shop, yourhistorichouse.com/shop/.
Select titles by other authors are also available in our shop. Save with our multi-book Combo Packs!
© Scott T. Hanson 2024.
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