Historic Ithaca’s

PRESERVATION BASICS

Free 30-Minute Class Series

Classes begin at 11am and 2pm

at Significant Elements Architectural Salvage Warehouse, 212 Center Street

$5 suggested donation

2009-10 Schedule

September 19: 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 17: 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 21: 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 19:  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?

January 16: 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.  Discussion will follow—bring a photo of your Greek Revival house and share your stories of restoration and rejuvenation!

February 20: 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 20: 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 17: 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 22: 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 19: 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 17: The Evolution of the Kitchen, 1790 to 2009

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 21: The Evolution of Home and Street Lighting, 1790 to 2009

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.