Historic Ithaca’s

PRESERVATION BASICS

Free Class Series

Classes begin at 1pm, usually on the Saturday following the third Friday of each month

at Historic Ithaca’s Headquarters, 212 Center Street

$5 suggested donation

Yearly Schedule

January: The Greek Revival Home

Greek Revival buildings are prolific in the Finger Lakes area.  Learn about the origins of this uniquely American style and see local examples.  Optional discussion will follow—bring a photo of your Greek Revival house and share your stories of restoration and rejuvenation!

February: Surviving Early Structures in Tompkins County

Learn about the early development of the Tompkins County area from 1790 to 1830 and see examples of surviving structures from the era. 

March: Yearly Maintenance for the Older Home: Getting Ready for Spring

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  Learn how to conduct an annual inspection of your home and develop a yearly maintenance schedule.

April: The Victorian Home

The Victorian era combined mass-production and an obsession with pattern and decoration to produce an eclectic architectural style that continues to fascinate.  Learn about the evolution of this style, see local examples, and explore period interiors.  Optional discussion to follow; bring a photo of your Victorian home!

May: What Style Is It?  Common Architectural Styles in Tompkins County

Learn to identify the most common architectural styles found in Tompkins County and see examples from the 1820s through the 1950s.  Optional: bring a photo of your house, commercial building, or farm structure.  A take-home identification guide is included.

June: Researching Your House History (Or Your Farm or Commercial Building)

This course on researching historic architectural properties will provide you with the tools you need to assemble a complete history of your home, commercial structure, or farm building.  You’ll learn about the resources available in our in-store library and elsewhere, and how to use them.  What stories does your building have to share?

 July: The Evolution of the Kitchen, 1790 to 2010

From cooking fires to microwaves, farm tables to granite countertops, we’ll trace the historical evolution of kitchen fashion and technology in the U.S.

August: Home and Street Lighting from 1790 to 2010

From candles and coal gas to LEDs and compact florescents, learn about the historical evolution of home and street lighting in the eastern U.S.

September: Weatherization for Older Homes: Getting Ready for Fall

Learn how to reduce your energy expenses by conducting annual weatherization maintenance, from adding storm windows to insulating against air infiltration, without sacrificing your home’s historic character.

October: Cemeteries & Burial Grounds of Tompkins County

From family plots on the farmstead to landscaped gardens of the Victorian era, see examples of gravestone art through the centuries and learn about the resting places of famous (and infamous) locals.    

November: What Style Is It?  Common Architectural Styles in Tompkins County

Learn to identify the most common architectural styles found in Tompkins County and see examples from the 1820s through the 1950s.  Optional: bring a photo of your house, commercial building, or farm structure.  A take-home identification guide is included.

December:  Researching Your House History (Or Your Farm or Commercial Building)

This course on researching historic architectural properties will provide you with the tools you need to assemble a complete history of your home, commercial structure, or farm building.  You’ll learn about the resources available in our in-store library and elsewhere, and how to use them.  What stories does your building have to share?