Historic Preservation Training Course Offered in Virginia City, Montana

Boulder, Colorado – Heritage Conservation Network and the Virginia City Preservation Institute are offering a joint workshop on documentation and assessment of historic structures July 9-15, 2006 in Virginia City, Montana. Participants will be working at the H.S. Gilbert House, a brick and clapboard structure that served as the brewmaster's house when its associated brewery served what was once the largest population between Minneapolis and San Francisco

Virginia City today has 150 year-round residents, who are very intent on keeping its history alive. The town tells the story of the gold strike in Alder Gulch, considered one of the richest placer gold recoveries in U.S. history. The town is owned by the State of Montana and managed by the Montana Heritage Commission, which is charged with preserving over 250 structures. The H.S. Gilbert house is sinking below grade due to a rising water table, and the first step in developing a plan for its preservation is determining exactly its condition and specific weaknesses. Workshop participants therefore have an excellent opportunity to gain practical preservation experience while contributing to a bona fide preservation project.

The workshop will be led by Jeff MacDonald, Lead Preservation Specialist for the Montana Heritage Commission. The deadline for registration is May 5, 2006. A workshop fee of $400 covers tuition and materials. Lodging is available at bed and breakfasts and hotels in the town. Complete workshop details and registration information are available from HCN's website www.heritageconservation.net or from Heritage Conservation Network, 1557 North Street, Boulder, CO 80303, 303 444 1028.

Heritage Conservation Network is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of architectural heritage around the world. HCN produces an annual series of hands-on building conservation workshops in association with local preservation partners in order to further the sites' preservation and provide an educational experience for participants.