Back to the basics : an investigation into preservation trades education

Abstract

There is a growing shortage of workers trained in the preservation crafts (e.g. timber framing, masonry, plastering, etc.). This final project examines the state of the preservation trades education system in the United States, identifying ways in which a few educational programs are attempting to fill the void and detailing the opinions of select preservation education experts. The project goes on to describe the effect that the shortage has on our ability to successfully preserve historic buildings. One reason for the lack of training is an inability of trades people to access training materials. The second half of this project takes the form of a manual for one trade group: slate roofing. The manual introduces issues of roofing within the context of historic preservation, details the six most important areas of competence in slate roofing, and suggests resources for further study.