HISTORIC VERMONT
An On-line News Journal about the Preservation of Vermont’s Historic Architecture and Landscape
Number 31  February 2004

Published by the Preservation Trust of Vermont, 104 Church Street, Burlington, VT 05401
http://www.ptvermont.org


For more information about Historic Vermont, to subscribe or to unsubscribe to the email version, or to submit something for publication please contact Meg Campbell, Editor. ptv@sover.net.    Please submit events AT LEAST  SIX WEEKS before the event to ensure listing in the newsletter.

    In This Issue....
     
      Vermont News
      • Preservation Grants Awarded
      • SAVE THE DATE! Annual Historic Preservation Conference
      • WalMart in Vermont
      • Governor Announces $1.8 Million for Community Enhancement Projects
      • National Register News


      Commentary

      • Where I'm Coming From


      National News

      • Transportation Bill Update
      • History Detectives: Stories Wanted!
      • Historic School Day
      • American Association for State & Local History Announces 2003 Awards Program


      Publications

      • 10 Reasons Why VT's Homegrown Economy Matters and 50 Proven Ways to Revive it!
      • Special Places in Vermont


      Educational Opportunities

      • 2004 Preservation Retreats at the Grand Isle Lake House.
      • Promise of Place Conference
      • Preservation Leadership Training 2004
      • Business Side of Preservation
      • Preservation Education Institute 2003 - 2004 Schedule at a Glance


      Opportunities for Employment & Volunteer Work

      • Collections Manager/Registrar, Sheldon Museum
      • Openings at the Vermont Folklife Center
      • Director of Development, Lake Champlain Maritime Museum


      This newsletter is made possible in part by a donation from Sovernet, www.sover.net.




VERMONT NEWS

Preservation Grants Awarded
Since 1994 the Freeman Foundation and the Preservation Trust of Vermont have had a partnership to support preservation projects.  Over $6.8 million in grants have been awarded to help more than 302 projects in communities throughout the state. These grants have played a key role in over $81 million in total rehabilitation work.  The latest round of grants includes:
American Precision Museum, Windsor: $50,000
The Robbins and Lawrence Armory (1846) in downtown Windsor is a National Historic Landmark and houses a world-class collection of machine tools from the nineteenth- and early-twentieth centuries. Needed repairs include restoration of the belfry and slate roof, restoration and repointing of exterior brick and stone masonry, repair of historic windows and doors, safety and access improvements (including installation of an elevator), and interior floor frame repairs.  The museum was recently awarded a Save America’s Treasures matching grant in the amount of $200,000, and are able to contribute approximately $60,000 in cash on hand and in-kind donations.

Kimball House, Randolph: $40,000
Built in 1887, this stately Queen Anne style house served as a summer residence for Col. Robert Kimball, a philanthropist who made his fortune in the New York City banking business and later endowed Kimball Library in Randolph. The house was converted to the Randolph Country Club in 1921 and, for a short time, operated as the Green Mountain Inn. In 1955 it was converted to a nursing home, and in 2001 the White River Craft Center purchased the then-abandoned building for $150,000. White River Craft Center is a human services and community craft center that provides youth with vocational training, academic tutoring, outdoor experience, and craft classes in pottery, stained glass, art and woodworking. The youth served by the center are doing much of the rehabilitation work themselves under the guidance of preservation architect, Tom Keefe. In 2003 the Craft Center received a $250,000 Community Development grant toward rehabilitation of the building. This grant will allow them to complete the exterior of the building and repair the slate roof.

Memorial Hall, Wilmington: $25,000
Designed by H. K. White of McKim, Meade & White, this shingle-style performance hall was built and owned by Major Frederick Childs, to accompany Child's Tavern (now Crafts Inn) next door. Childs was a successful New York and Florida hotel owner, and Memorial Hall was meant to honor his parents' hometown. In past decades, the building sat mostly unused until 1997, when the town leased the hall to Memorial Hall Center for the Arts (MHCA), a locally formed 501(c)(3). MHCA is devoted to providing a facility and programs for performance, exhibition, and arts education for the region. Since then the building has been well used, and the partnership between the Town and MHCA is helping to maintain the building. Several years ago the Town invested $90,000 in critical improvements, and MHCA is allocating all profits toward the building's ongoing maintenance and incremental improvements. Their immediate need is to conserve all of the windows, repoint the chimney, make repairs to the shingle siding and paint the exterior. At the same time, they are addressing fire and safety code issues and adding a handicap accessible bathroom.

Burnham Hall, Lincoln: $35,000
Burnham Hall was built in 1919 as the result of a bequest from generous local resident, Walter S. Burnham. The upper floor, with a large open auditorium and stage, is used for Town Meeting and community events. The lower floor contains a large dining room and kitchen, and is used for community gatherings, election polling place, and Boy Scout meetings. Burnham Hall also housed the town library until several years ago when, following a flood, the library moved to a new building on higher ground. This grant will help to replace the steps, repair the roof and cornice, and conserve windows, allowing future revenues to be directed toward maintenance and educational programming in the Hall.

General Store & Apartment and the Goodine House, Groton: $40,000
The village of Groton has several derelict buildings, and the Gilman Housing Trust has embarked on an effort to rehabilitate five buildings on contiguous lots in the center of the village. The project will provide space for important community services and affordable housing. The Goodine House will accommodate the Groton Free Public Library as well as a second-floor apartment. The second building will provide space for the General Store with a unit of housing above. This grant will be used to restore the exteriors of both buildings.


SAVE THE DATE! Annual Historic Preservation Conference
Vermont's annual historic preservation conference will take place this year in Bellows Falls, Vermont on Friday May 21, 2004.  The theme is still under discussion, but it is an event that you won't want to miss!  Mark your calendars now.  More information will be forthcoming here and at the Preservation Trust website www.ptvermont.org.
 

WalMart in Vermont
With Walmart's plans to open 1,000 supercenters in this country in the next five years, it is no surprise that there is at least one community in Vermont (Bennington) that has been buzzing with talk of a proposal for a new BIG (170,000 square feet) general merchandise and grocery store.  Other large-scale Wal-Marts (150,000 square feet) are being proposed for Morrisville, Newport, St. Albans, and St. Johnsbury.  There is speculation that Wal-Mart also wants to replace its 70,000 square foot downtown Rutland store with a supercenter twice its size outside of Rutland.

Already citizens around Vermont have raised concerns about this second siege of proposed Wal-Marts. In addition, a variety of Vermont organizations have gathered to support the work of local groups that are raising concerns about the negative impact of big boxes on their communities.

Now more than ever it is important for all the citizens of Vermont to pay attention to what is happening in their communities.   It will take citizen action to stop this trend that will have long-term negative impacts on the landscape, economy, and historic downtowns.  If you would like to join this effort, please be in touch with the Preservation Trust.

In Bennington, please contact Meg Campbell  442-2005 or via email meg@ptvermont.org.  Please note that two public forums with the Planning Commission have been scheduled to gather public input on the big box issues and related commercial/industrial zoning changes.  These will be held  Thursday February 12 from 7 to 9 pm and Wednesday Feburary 18 from 7 to 9 pm, both at the Bennington Fire Facility.  If you are unable to attend, written comments can be sent prior to February 20th to the Town of Bennington Planning Commisison, PO Box 469, Bennington, VT  05201.

Elsewhere in Vermont, please contact Ann Cousins  434-5014 or via email ann@ptvermont.org or Paul Bruhn 658-6647 or via email  paul@ptvermont.org

If you want to know more about the realities of big box retailing, check out these magazine stories from Business Week and Fast Company:

Business Week editorial, October 6, 2003: The High Cost of Low Prices
http://www.businessweek.com/@@MPCRLYQQUfxYfxQA/magazine/content/03_40/b3852166_mz029.htm

Business Week cover story, October 6, 2003: Is Wal-Mart Too Powerful?
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/03_40/b3852001_mz001.htm

Business Week graphic, October 6, 2003: The Long Arm of Bentonville, Ark
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/03_40/b3852003_mz001.htm

Fast Company cover story, December 2003: The Wal-Mart You Don't Know
http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/77/walmart.html
 

Governor Announces $1.8 Million for Community Enhancement Projects
 Montpelier, Vt. - Governor Jim Douglas and Transportation Secretary Patricia McDonald today announced that $1.8 million dollars would be distributed among 15 communities for transportation enhancement projects.

Governor Douglas said these funds help communities improve intermodal transportation systems, recreational opportunities and the development of our historic downtowns.  "Enhancement funds are used to restore historic buildings, rebuild and extend sidewalks and pathways in downtowns, improve hiking and biking trails that promote outdoor activity, and purchase scenic easements that enhance our travel and tourism industry," the Governor
said. "They are a very beneficial addition to our transportation system."

"These awards, combined with previous grants to Vermont communities, are the foundation funding for many local economic development and pedestrian safety projects," Secretary McDonald said. "While ideas and seed funding originate in one community and grant awards are made by peer representatives from several other Vermont towns, all state residents are the collective recipients of these initiatives.  It is a comprehensive bottoms-up grant program representing the best of Vermont for Vermonters."

Applications for enhancement funding are reviewed by VTrans to affirm project eligibility criteria, then are individually considered and awarded by a grant committee.  VTrans staff provides technical and limited project assistance to grant recipients.   Most community projects are completed within two years of the grant award.

The Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) passed by Congress in 1991, created the Transportation Enhancement Program offering communities new funding opportunities to help expand transportation choices, such as safe bicycle and pedestrian facilities, scenic routes, beautification, and other investments that increase recreation opportunity and access.  In 1998, the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing communities by increasing funding support for enhancements through 2003 averaging about $630 million per year nationwide. Awards for FY04:

  • Town of Hardwick Engineering & construction for pedestrian bridge rehabilitation and multi-use path -- $107,580
  • City of Montpelier Engineering for Taylor Street Bridge rehabilitation -- $150,000
  • VHCB - Barton Sugarmill Farm scenic easement acquisition -- $130,000
  • Town of Poultney, Engineering and construction for Main Street sidewalks and landscaping -- $300,978
  • City of Montpelier Planning for Langdon Street and North Branch river walk -- $40,000
  • Town of Lyndon Planning for Randall Covered Bridge visitor's center -- $20,000
  • Town of Bennington Engineering for East Road sidewalk -- $75,000
  • West Rutland Town Eng. & construction of Pleasant Street pedestrian path -- $184,700
  • VHCB Newbury Allens Farm scenic easement acquisition -- $74,000
  • Groton, Gilman Housing Trust  -- Engineering and construction of sidewalks and landscaping for Groton Village revitalization project -- $256,182
  • Park-McCullough House - Bennington -- Eng. & construction for Porte Cochere gateway, lighting, and landscaping for visitor's center and pedestrian path -- $53,000
  • Town of Randolph Planning study for former freight depot redevelopment -- $20,000
  • Vermont Division of Historic Preservation -- Construction of visitor center facilities as part of a larger historic site project for the Morrill Homestead historic site --  $308,960
  • Addison County Transit Resources -- Procure and install bike racks on buses -- $12,600
  • Kingdom Trails Planning Association for East Burke to Lyndonville bike path --  $17,000
National Register News
National Register News: The National Park Service has recently listed the following Vermont property on the National Register of Historic Places.
Peacham Corner Historic District, Peacham
The Peacham Corner Historic District is an excellent example of a relatively intact late 18th/early 19th century Vermont hill town set in a traditional agrarian landscape. The 100 acre district contains 55 contributing properties and 21 noncontributing. Settled in 1776 at the crossroads of the Bayley-Hazen Road and the Chelsea Road (built to connect the county courthouses in Chelsea and Danville) it became an early, prosperous center of trade and commerce for the surrounding farms.  This is reflected in the substantial wood frame buildings built largely in the Federal and Greek Revival styles. After a period of decline in the last half of the 19th century, in the early 20th century out-of-staters began buying up properties for summer homes and brought new prosperity to the district.


COMMENTARY

Where I'm Coming From

Literally, where I come from could serve as a good example of what could happen to Vermont if we listen to the crowd in favor of more trucks and more roads and more development, all in the name of economic growth and jobs.

 I would be a seventh-generation Pennsylvanian if my parents had stayed put.  Recently, my family held a reunion and I drove to central Pennsylvania for the event.  My motel in Shamokin Dam was located under huge power lines, directly across the highway from the coal power plant on the Susquehanna River.  Uncle Fred helped build the plant.  Uncle Lee worked there all his life until he went deaf and then died of lung cancer.  Across the river, the mountain tops are dotted with cell towers.  The route from the  motel to my Aunt Catherine's retirement center, which is built in the middle of farmland, is known as "The Strip" -- four miles of motels, car dealerships, gas stations, fast food restaurants, the mall containing businesses that used to be in downtown Sunbury, across the river, and of course Wal-Mart.

Amidst all the suburban sprawl, one forested grove remained from my youth, "God's Holiness Grove."  It was a summer religious retreat with a central building and smaller camps, all painted white, surrounded by big tall trees.  Nearby were several farmstands.  My memories of it involve hearing beautiful singing coming from inside the campground.  But on this visit, I learned that God's Holiness Grove had been sold.  The small camps were gone and soon the chainsaws and bulldozers will move in to turn the site into -- a Super Wal-Mart!  The existing Wal-Mart would become a Sam's Club.

The Strip is a 5-lane highway with a center lane for turning, similar to Route 7 through Rutland.  It is a major truck route.  One of the truckers is my cousin Greg, who has been delivering mobile homes all over New England ever since he got out of jail.  The truck traffic congestion and fumes are truly unbelievable.  But not to worry, the by-pass is coming.  It has been 20 years in the works, held up for years by farmers with some of the best farmland in the area.

The by-pass, which will take the trucks off The Strip, will connect one major Interstate highway to another.  Its route will go through the farmland of my childhood, which my family used to drive through to visit Aunt Catherine and Rolling Green Amusement Park across the street from her house. Rolling Green, which was once owned by a relative, was a child's paradise, complete with bumper cars, merry-go-round, and the best wooden roller coaster ever.  If it were around today, the park would be thriving. But Rolling Green is now a housing development.

The by-pass route, through much of what was once farmland, is now covered with expensive homes which will be torn down to make way for the trucks.  In the grand scheme of things, this is viewed as progress by the locals who object to all the trucks on "The Strip."  After all, it's hard to get to McDonald's for french fries and Lowe's to buy paint now.

The farms that haven't gone out of business have grown.  Driving on the back country roads, I noticed long, large sheds with big fans at either end.  There are no animals in sight so it's not clear what kinds of animals are inside.

Downtown Sunbury, where my father was born, is tacky, bordering on desolate.  A concrete wall separates the city from the river to protect from flooding.  My aunt tells stories about how you used to be able to tell what color the silk mill was using that day to dye their fabrics by what color the river was.  Once a booming rail town, my father dreads returning to see the empty storefronts and sleazy businesses that remain.

In reading about the history of Sunbury, I have learned that it was the Native American capital of the east; a crossroad of trails used by several tribes.  The city does not have a museum or in any way recognize the importance of its role in history.

When I visit Pennsylvania, I am reminded of why I fight so hard to conserve Vermont's clean, rural, small-town environment. Vermont really is special. It is much easier to pave it over for short-term profit than it is to protect what we have. And once it's gone, it is forever.

by Annette Smith, Executive Director, Vermonters for a Clean Environment, Inc.
 



NATIONAL NEWS

Transportation Bill Update
(Excerpted from the Northeast Preservation News, January 2004, Volume 2, Number 1.  For the full text, visit: http://www.nationaltrust.org/about_the_trust/newsletters/nero/nero-1203.pdf)

Historic places are often put at risk by any number of threats. Perhaps one of the most destructive forces of the historic preservation movement, and the origin of some of our strongest public policies providing protection, has been massive transportation initiatives.  Starting with the mandate in the 1950s for a linked, federal highway system, hundreds of communities were impacted, with entire neighborhoods destroyed or bisected.  Even today the threat can have a tremendous impact on a historic place.  Since enacted in 1966, the preservation community has relied on Section 4(f) as a key tool for protection because it requires transportation planners to look for prudent alternatives to road building that affect historic places.  This search for alternatives has saved many historic places.

This week, Congress is negotiating a new transportation bill where the administration and its road builder allies are lobbying for provisions to weaken Section 4 (f) in the name of "streamlining."  The proposal would entrust highway departments alone with decisions about what is historic and the effects of highway projects on historic places.  Citizens, communities and historic preservation officials must not be denied the right to decided issues of historic significance and degrees of harm to historic places.  This power cannot be vested solely in transportation agencies.

Two bills are currently being consider in Congress - S. 1072 and H.R. 3550 - which may impact the provisions of Section 4 (f).  Contact your Senators and ask for their support of Section 4 (f) protections for historic places and to oppose any amendments that would weaken those protections.

James Jeffords (I - VT) http://jeffords.senate.gov
Patrick Leahy (D - VT) http://leahy.senate.gov

For more information or guidance, go to http://capwiz.com/nthp2/home
 

History Detectives: Stories Wanted!
Are you sitting on a piece of history?  History Detectives is a PBS series about the discovery, documentation and preservation of historic American buildings and artifacts. We are seeking story submissions for our second season.  If you, or someone you know, have an object or building that may have played a key part in American history, tell us about your mystery.

The most promising ideas are historically significant, and are still unsolved. An old house, family heirloom, or local legend might contain a fascinating conundrum from our nation's past.  The best objects belong to people who may not have a research background, but are enthusiastic about American history.

Please submit questions or story ideas to historydetectives@liontv.org
http://www.pbs.org/opb/historydetectives/
 

Historic School Day
The Council on Education Facilities and International (CEFPI), a trade organization of the providers, users and builders of school facilities will be promoting a national recognition of schools in April 2004.  As part of this week-long promotion, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, in cooperation with the National Park Service, will co-sponsor “Historic School Day,” April 20, 2004.

The National Trust and the National Park Service are working with the 2003 National Association of Social Studies “Teacher of the Year” to develop lesson plans that will allow teachers to use the history of their school as part of teaching the standard curriculum. Links will be made between CEFPI, the National Trust, the National Park Service and other web sites that can expand the reach of the teachers and the students.  Lesson plans will be available on the Trust’s web site, the NPS web site and CEFPI’s web site beginning in March 2004.  Please encourage your school to participate and look for the links that will allow students and teachers to post their completed projects!

For more information, contact Kate Stevenson at Kate_stevenson@nthp.org or 202-588-6358

American Association for State & Local History Announces 2003 Awards Program
The American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) invites submissions to the 2004 Awards Program. Established in 1945, the Annual Awards Program is the most prestigious national recognition program for achievement in the preservation and interpretation of local, state and regional history.

The AASLH Awards Program recognizes exemplary work completed by state or federal historical societies, institutions or agencies; regional, county or local historical societies, institutions or agencies; specialized subject societies in related fields such as oral history, genealogy, folklore, archaeology, business history, railroad history, etc.; junior historical societies; privately owned museums or foundations; individuals; and organizations outside the field of traditional historical agencies.

Awards are given for general excellence, exhibits, public programming, special projects, media/publications, individual achievement, and preservation or restoration projects. Nominees need not be members of AASLH to qualify.

Nomination forms may be obtained by visiting the AASLH website, www.aaslh.org, or by contacting the AASLH office by phone, 615.320.3203, or by email: history@aaslh.org.

Nominations are due to state award representatives on March 1, 2004. Completed nominations from Vermont institutions should be sent to: Tracy Martin, c/o The Old Stone House Museum, 28 Old Stone House Road, Brownington, VT  05860-9557. Tracy encourages anyone with questions to contact her at 802.754.2022. Nominations are then reviewed by a national committee in the summer of 2004 with formal presentation of the awards made during the AASLH Annual Meeting, September 29-October 2, 2004 in St. Louis, Missouri.


    PUBLICATIONS & RESOURCES
    10 Reasons Why Vermont's Homegrown Economy Matters, And 50 Proven Ways to Revive It
    by Stacy Mitchell, Institute for Local Self-Reliance
    Published by the Preservation Trust of Vermont

    This new 60-page publication is the result of several years of collaboration between the Institute of Local Self-Reliance and The Preservation Trust of Vermont.  Detailed here are specific reasons why locally owned businesses matter and practical ways to plan for a homegrown economy, foster revitalization and unite independent businesses. Mitchell uses practical examples from successful businesses and vibrant communities all across the states to illustrate the point that everyone benefits from keeping Vermont's economy local.  The book is available for $10 from the Preservation Trust of Vermont (802) 658-6647 or as a free download pdf file from the Preservation Trust website:

    http://www.ptvermont.org/publications/HomegrownEconomy/sprawl_book.htm
     

    New! Special Places in Vermont Publication
    With your help, the Preservation Trust of Vermont is going to build a collection of  Special Places in Vermont.  Our goal is to publish a series of short paragraphs written by residents describing the off-beat, the undiscovered, and the historic spots that help to make Vermont a special part of our world.

    Initially we will publish the collection on our website, and may in the future publish a book.  Contributions can be varied -- from a walk through a village district or former marble quarry, to a meal at a restored hotel or breakfast at an historic diner, to the experience of a service in an 1850 church, or a swim in a pond above an historic crib dam. The possibilities are endless, and the more we all enjoy and appreciate these special places, the more we will all work to maintain them.

    We welcome contributions of all kinds.  If you have some place you'd like to share, please email meg@ptvermont.org.  Please describe the site and tell us why it's important to you.  Keep in mind that we would like to include your name and the town where you live in the future publications.

    Thanks for being a part of our project!
     

     



    EDUCATION and TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
     

    2004 Preservation Retreats at the Grand Isle Lake House.
    Make plans now to participate in one of the Preservation Trust's retreats at the Grand Isle Lake House!  Participating groups should be prepared to present a 10- to 15-minute case study about a particular challenge or project they're working on, and to use the case study to frame a questions or problem that needs to be addressed in order to move a project along.  The retreats are for sharing ideas, solving problems, and getting together with others who are working on similar kinds of projects.

    For more information or to talk about a possible project of case study, please contact Ann Cousins (802) 434-5014. ann@ptvermont.org or Doug Porter (802)644-2815  doug@ptvermont.org.  For a preview of the Grand Isle Lake House, visit our Web site http://www.ptvermont.org/grand_isle_lake_house.htm.

    The 2004 retreats will take place on the following dates:

    • May 17-18
    • June 21-22
    • July 25-27 Summer Camp
    • Aug 10-11
    • Sep 13-14
    • Oct 12-13
    Promise of Place Conference
    You're invited to register now for the Promise of Place conference, joining others from Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and New York to deepen your understanding of, and acquire new skills in, place-based education. The conference will build on last year's inaugural event, to include over thirty hands-on, content rich sessions and an extra day of in-depth workshops - relevant for novice and experienced practitioners, program administrators, and community members.

    To view the brochure electronically, visit www.northernforest.org and www.shelburnefarms.org.  For a printed brochure, contact Pat Straughan, pstraughan@shelburnefarms.org, 802-985-8686.  For registration questions, contact Heather Cowenhoven, hcowenhoven@northernforest.org, 603-229-0679.  For other questions, contact Lidie Robbins, lrobbins@northernforest.org, 802-291-9800.

    Last year's conference was sold-out, so don't wait. The deadline for registration is March 1, 2004.

    A regional conference presented by The Northern Forest Center & the Center for Place-based Learning and Innovation. A project of Shelburne Farms, Marsh Billings Rockefeller National Historical Park, and the National Park Service Conservation Study Institute

    Preservation Leadership Training 2004
    This year's Preservation Leadership Training will take place in Astoria, Oregon on June 5-12, 2004. Application Deadline: April 1, 1004

    If you know of someone who would make a great candidate for PLT, please send them to the website at http://www.nationaltrust.org/plt.
     

    Business Side of Preservation
    Historic Windsor's workshop the Business Side of Preservation has been rescheduled for February 28 - 29, 2004.  The workshop will be held at either Windsor House in Windsor, Vermont or at Chaplin Hall, Norwich University,
    Northfield, Vermont.

    As any small business person knows, well planned and executed management of the business is crucial, regardless of how knowledgeable and skilled the owner or crew.  In the working world of historic preservation, assessing and planning for the risk of unknown variables inherent in the buildings we save, can make or break a business.  The instructor will review assessing unknown variables, assembly of planning teams when confronting conditions that baffle, and proven tests and methods that lessen the work in estimating costs and solving problems.  When an assessment reveals the worst; knowing how to help the client cope, may make the difference between getting and losing the job.  The instructor will outline suggestions for phasing projects over a period of time.  Our field demands certain ethical standards; the instructor will review how to convey the importance of such standards to clients.

    Instructor:  John Leeke is a preservation consultant from Portland, Maine.  John helps owners, tradespeople, architects, and contractors understand and maintain historic buildings. He has been and still spends a good part of his time “with hammer in hand”.  He is a frequent lecturer for APT International, The National Trust for Historic Preservation, and Restoration and Renovation.  Cost: HWI member/government staff:  $170; Others: $195.

    THE PRESERVATION EDUCATION INSTITUTE, A Division of Historic Windsor, Inc., PO BOX 1777, WINDSOR VT 05089-0021.  802-674-6752, 802-674-6179 FAX,  histwininc@valley.net, www.preservationworks.org.
     

    Preservation Education Institute 2003 - 2004 SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
     

      Dates Pending
      • American Building Design and Technology
      • Paint: Historic and Contemporary Materials and Practice
      • Repointing Brick Masonry
      • Structural Evaluation & Repair: Timber Frame
      • Preservation Philosophy for People Who Maintain Old Buildings
      January 2004
      • 16-17  Revealing Hidden Decorative Paint
      • 24-25     Business Side of Preservation


    Register Now!  Early registration is appreciated so that the workshop is guaranteed to run. The Preservation Education Institute, A Division of Historic Windsor, Inc., PO BOX 1777, WINDSOR VT 05089-0021.  802-674-6752, 802-674-6179 FAX,  histwininc@valley.net, www.preservationworks.org.
     

     



    OPPORTUNITIES for EMPLOYMENT & VOLUNTEER WORK

    Collections Manager/Registrar, Sheldon Museum
    The Henry Sheldon Museum seeks a Collections Manager/Registrar to oversee it’s three-dimensional collections.  Specific responsibilities will include general collections care, including climate monitoring, housing and storage of collections items; monitoring of the condition of the historic buildings; processing of deeds of gift and loan forms; accessioning, inventories, computer cataloguing and other recordkeeping; develop and install exhibits in the Judd-Harris House or Walter Cerf Gallery; assist with any exhibit, program or project that utilizes three-dimensional objects.  The position is for 24 hours per week, days to be determined.

    Qualifications: Background in American history and knowledge of American decorative arts, familiarity with professional museum standards and practices, ability to work independently, strong interpersonal skills and desire to work as part of a team. B.A. or M.A. in history, museum studies or related field desirable.

    Send cover letter & resume to: Annie Perkins, Director, Henry Sheldon Museum, 1 Park Street, Middlebury, VT 05753.
     

    Openings at the Vermont Folklife Center
    The Vermont Folklife Center (VFC) located in Middlebury, VT is a private, non-profit cultural
    heritage organization, founded in 1984. The VFC, which conducts and sponsors fieldwork projects,
    houses a sound archive and produces publications and educational programming, seeks
     

      Director of Finance and Administration
      A seasoned administrator to serve as Director of Finance and Administration with fiscal, personnel
      and office management responsibilities. Requirements include a Bachelor degree (with Masters in
      Public Administration or CPA preferred); five years experience in personnel and budget
      management of a cultural non-profit organization; proven record in non-profit entrepreneurship
      (publishing particularly desirable); strong supervisory and organizational skills; excellent
      interpersonal skills; ability to work as part of a team; creative, strategic thinker. Starting date is
      March 1, 2004.

      Bookkeeper
      A part-time bookkeeper for ten hours a week. Responsibilities include entering accounts
      receivable/accounts payable, payroll and payroll taxes, invoicing and collections, general ledger
      activity and reconciliation, preparing monthly and annual financial reports, providing financial
      reporting pertinent to specific contracts, grants and other funding sources. Qualifications include a
      BS or equivalent, business management and three years experience as a staff accountant. Starting
      date, February 1, 2004.

      Administrative Assistant
      A part-time administrative assistant (three days per week) with responsibilities for answering phones
      and queries, collecting and sorting incoming and outgoing mail, ordering supplies, executing office
      errands, assisting with special events, assisting with mailings, fulfillment of mail order, in-house
      scheduling and office equipment maintenance. Qualifications include a BA or equivalent degree, strong
      communication skills and availability to work three days a week from 9:00 to 5:00. Starting date is
      February 1, 2004.
       

    Contact Jane Beck, Vermont Folklife Center, P.O. Box 442, Middlebury, VT 05753, (802-388-4964) jbeck@middlebury.edu for more information.
     

    Director of Development, Lake Champlain Maritime Museum
    The Director of Development is responsible for the museum’s overall financial development, particularly the design, implementation, and evaluation of its fund raising programs. He or she provides direction, leadership, and support to Board and volunteer development efforts to increase earned revenues and all forms of gift support.

    Duties & Responsibilities:

    • Develops and implements a comprehensive fundraising program including annual appeal, major gift solicitations, membership campaign, grant proposals, corporate sponsorships, capital campaign, endowment, and planned gifts;
    • Plans and organizes special fundraising, recognition, annual Gala Raffle and cultivation events.
    • Develops, monitors, and analyzes annual budget for Development Department and Capital Campaign;
    • Recruits, supervises, and evaluates performance of Development Office staff: a full-time Development Assistant, a full-time volunteer membership coordinator, grant writers, and volunteers;
    • Works closely with Executive Director, fundraising consultant, and Board of Trustees to research, identify, cultivate, and solicit major donors;
    • Works closely with Development Assistant and Finance Office to record, track, and report on gift income and grant awards.
    • Work with department managers to assess and meet overall financial needs of the Museum;
    • Creates and maintains Gift and Membership pages of LCMM Web site; works closely with Museum marketing staff to write press releases, create development brochures and publications, and market development initiatives.
    • Researches and writes grant proposals to local, regional, and national foundations and corporations and coordinates others engaged in grant research and writing.
    • Assists in the development, implementation and management of current fundraising initiatives, including support for the replica schooner launch and tour in 2004 and 2005.


    Job Requirements:

    • Education: Bachelor’s Degree in appropriate discipline or equivalent.
    • Experience: Three years experience in fundraising for a non-profit organization or an equivalent experience from which comparable abilities and knowledge can be acquired.


    Skills:

    • Exceptional written and oral communication skills; knowledge of multiple facets of fundraising techniques, strategies, management, and planning; ability to interact with and supervise a wide range of individuals and to build teams; computer literacy; creativity, flexibility, effective organization, and self-motivation.


    Supervisory Responsibilities:

    • Supervises Development Assistant, grant writers, and development volunteers.


    Interested applicants may send a cover letter and resume to:  Arthur B. Cohn, Executive Director, Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, 4472 Basin Harbor Road, Vergennes, VT 05491.(802) 475-2022.   email: cohn@lcmm.org.  FAX: (802) 475-2953

     



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