Best Practices for Condition Assessments of Historic Structures
September 21, 2003
A workshop for CAP assessors organized by Heritage Preservation
in partnership with the Association for Preservation Technology International
Funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services
Best Practices for Condition Assessments of Historic Structures provided a venue for architectural assessors to discuss and exchange ideas for what they consider their best practices and most useful techniques in conducting condition assessments, specifically in regard to the Conservation Assessment Program. By examining the case study model museum and sharing practices of experienced CAP architectural assessors, attendees were able to improve their own site visit and report writing practices, learn how to work effectively with a collections assessor, and gain an understanding of small museums in order to foster long-term relationships with museums.
The workshop was held in conjunction with the Association for Preservation Technology International (APT) annual meeting. An optional second day program was held at the Victoria Mansion on September 22.
Program
| 9:00 a.m. Welcome and Introduction Christine Henry, Senior Museum Program Officer, Institute of Museum and Library Services, Washington, D.C. Tom McGrath, Chair, Association for Preservation Technology International Training and Education Committee, Severna Park, MD Small museums face unique challenges in prioritizing and gaining financial support for conservation. CAP can stimulate museums to change their daily building and collections care activities and assist them by charting a plan for action. The workshop began with a discussion of the goals of CAP and the typical CAP museum. |
1:00 p.m. Working with Collections Assessors Linda Grubb, Principal, Linda F. Grubb & Associates, Architects, Barrington, IL John Leeke, Preservation Consultant, Portland, ME Ronald Harvey, Sole Proprietor, Tuckerbrook Conservation, Lincolnville, ME A key component of CAP is stressing the interrelationship of historic buildings and the collections they house. This panel addressed techniques for working with collections assessors to coordinate executive summaries and recommendations, emphasizing the value of presenting collections and building needs in a unified voice. |
|
9:20 a.m.
Case Study: Pejepscot Historical Society Deborah Smith, Executive Director, Pejepscot Historical Society, Brunswick, ME John Leeke, Preservation Consultant, Portland, ME Ronald Harvey, Sole Proprietor, Tuckerbrook Conservation, Lincolnville, ME The Pejepscot Historical Society was examined as a model CAP museum. It is considered typical because its collections and historic buildings are staffed by two full-time and five part-time paid staff and volunteers. The director and assessors discussed the CAP process from start to finish, as well as the report's effects on the museum's long-term conservation goals. |
2:15 p.m. Writing Effective Reports Alfred Staehli, Architect, Architect Alfred Staehli, FAIA, Portland, OR Milford Wayne Donaldson, President, Architect Milford Wayne Donaldson, FAIA, Inc., San Diego, CA Allen Hill, Owner, The Office of Allen Charles Hill, AIA, Historic Preservation & Architecture, Woburn, MA Though the site visit provides an opportunity to discuss issues and energize staff in person, the written report is what is presented to the board and will remain after the site visit even when staff changes. This panel stressed the importance of writing reports that are positive, informative, and user-friendly to get museums to embrace reports and refer to them repeatedly in charting future plans. |
| 10:20 a.m. Break |
3:15 p.m. Break |
| 10:35 a.m. Maximizing the Site Visit Linda Grubb, Principal, Linda F. Grubb & Associates, Architects, Barrington, IL Marilyn Kaplan, Principal, Preservation/Architecture, Valatie, NY C. Richard Bierce, Historic Architect & Preservation Consultant, Alexandria, VA This panel discussed making the most of two days on-site. Site visits are most successful when the assessors are prepared to involve a broad representation of staff, board, and volunteers, get around the site efficiently, and allow time to coordinate with the collections assessor. |
3:30 p.m. Technological Innovations That Can Streamline CAP Harrison Goodall, Architectural Conservator, Conservation Services, Langley, WA Technology can be used in myriad ways to streamline CAP assessments. Dr. Goodall discussed and demonstrated how he uses technology in general as well as facilities management software in particular to produce effective reports. He also demonstrated Preventive Maintenance for Historic Buildings, a CD-ROM training program for small museums. |
| 12:00 p.m. Lunch |
4:15 p.m. Wrap-Up Tom McGrath, Chair, Association for Preservation Technology International Training and Education Committee, Severna Park, MD |
Conservation and Interpretation at the Victoria Mansion
September 22, 2003
A workshop for architects organized by the Association for Preservation Technology International
The second day of the workshop was held at the National Historic Landmark museum, the Victoria Mansion (Morse-Libby House, 1858-1860), built to the design of distinguished New Haven architect Henry Austin and noted for its surviving complete Gustav Herter interiors. Sessions led by professionals who have investigated and worked on the building focused on how planning documents (CAP report, Historic Structure Report, Getty conservation study) have been undertaken and implemented. They spoke about the tools and techniques used, how these documents are used in addressing conservation and interpretation issues, and how issues of interpretation both inform and are informed by the ongoing conservation and restoration of the museum. Topics included stained glass, brownstone, electrical systems, period lighting, environmental monitoring, maintenance, and painted plaster.
