Vermont Flood Guide: Preparation, Response & Recovery
What you can do prior to a flood event, how to properly clean your building after a flood, and general information for homeowners and municipalities.
For Homeowners
We have reprinted selections from John Leeke’s Historic HomeWorks™ Question and Answer column on the maintenance and preservation of historic (and just plain old) buildings. A wide variety of topics are covered.
Historic Facade Restoration – From Vinyl to Clapboard
Preservationists understand that plastic siding disfigures historic structures, builders know it can trap moisture and cover over problems needing maintenance and repairs, and real estate professionals advise clients to be wary of possible defects that may be concealed under the plastic and how that can affect property values.
Fire Safety for Historic Buildings
The U.S. National Fire Protection Association reported one structure fire every minute in 2015, with over 19,000 deaths and injuries and $14.3B in property loss. In Vermont, fire has damaged and destroyed numerous landmark buildings over the past several years. How can stewards of historic commercial and public buildings avoid having their properties become part of these sobering statistics?
Why Preserve?
For over thirty years, the Preservation Trust of Vermont has been helping communities save and reuse their historic places. Every now and then, though, it is helpful to take a step back and look at why we are so passionate about our work.
Volunteers: Attracting, Keeping and Cultivating them for your Community Preservation Project
We are fortunate here in Vermont to have many people who are passionate about their communities and are willing to spend their time volunteering. Here are a few tips to help you recruit and retain volunteers.
Procuring Contractors and Materials for your Preservation Project
If you are using federal or state funds for your historic preservation project, there are most likely specific conditions for purchasing supplies and hiring contractors. The term for this process is “procurement.” Here are seasoned tips for a smooth procurement process.
Fundraising for Preservation Projects
The first step to developing a successful fundraising campaign for your historic preservation project is to have a clear idea of what needs to be done. Here are some tried-and-true tips to achieve your fundraising goals.
Preservation Briefs
The NPS's Preservation Briefs provide guidance on preserving, rehabilitating, and restoring historic buildings and cover nearly every topic imaginable.
10 Tips for Managing a Historic Preservation Project
As you start down the path of saving and using your historic building, here are a few tips to help you along the way.
Getting Started with your Preservation Project
Whether you are new to preservation or a seasoned veteran, the following questions and resources will help you better understand your project and work effectively to restore it for years of future use.
Hometown Fundraising
Local fundraising events and projects are an important part of community preservation. While not usually the biggest part of a plan to raise funds, they frequently provide an opportunity for concerned citizens to participate and show their support for a particular effort.