“After 4 years of fundraising and beginning to run out of energy for our one-room schoolhouse restoration project, the retreat at the Grand Isle Lake House was really helpful. We got information on contacts for different kinds of grants and how to write them and lots of support not to get discouraged! Through these contacts and the support of PTV and the Vermont State Division of Historic Preservation we have been able to complete the grant writing process and receive the funds we need to get a matching grant. We are on our way to a new foundation!”
–Courtney Dobyns, Root Schoolhouse, Norwich
2024 Upcoming Preservation Retreats
New Housing in Old Buildings: Adding Housing within Existing Historic Structures
September 10-11, 2024
There is a need for additional housing throughout our great state. As historic buildings in our villages and towns seek new uses, new housing in existing underutilized spaces could be another transformational solution to add to the housing toolbox. This retreat will help generate adaptive reuse ideas, explore funding possibilities, and explore new housing trends that can help shape your project.
Registration Deadline is September 1st at 4 pm.
Accessibility in Historic Buildings
October 8-9, 2024
Are you struggling with how to balance preserving the historic integrity of your building with meeting accessibility requirements? This retreat will explore the complex issues of providing accessibility while preserving the integrity and character of historic properties. Presenters: Michele Bailey, Senior Program Manager/Cultural Facilities Grants Administrator/ADA Coordinator, Vermont Arts Council; Caitlin Corkins, Tax Credits & Grants Coordinator, Vermont Division for Historic Preservation; Ryan Edwards, R. Edwards & Company, Architects/Designers, E. Calais; Cara Sachs, ADA Advocate, Vermont Center for Independent Living.
Registration Deadline is October 1st at 4 pm.
2024 Completed Preservation Retreats
Sacred Places in Bennington, Rutland, and Windham Counties, Day-long Retreat
April 24, 2024.
Churches, synagogues and sacred places play a critical role in the health and wellness of our communities. They often act as overflow shelters for our most vulnerable citizens or as gathering places for cultural performances or events. At the same time, these buildings can be challenging to maintain. Join PTV Staff along with assistance providers from the VT Division for Historic Preservation, VT Interfaith Power & Light and Partners for Sacred Places as we explore partnerships for churches and new uses for underutilized buildings. Sponsored by the Adalard A. and Valeda Lea Roy Foundation.
Historical Societies and Historic Buildings: How the Building Serves the Mission
May 21-22, 2024
Many of Vermont’s local and regional Historical Society’s are housed in historic buildings. Determining how these buildings inform and further the mission of these organizations can be a challenge and knowing where to start with preservation and updates can add to that challenge. This retreat will bring together representatives from Historical Societies around the state, along with technical service providers from Vermont Division for Historic Preservation and the Vermont Historical Society to help groups think deeply about these issues.
Community Revitalization Through Non-Profit Ownership
June 12-13, 2024
Is your community struggling with how to activate vacant or underutilized spaces? Are you exploring how to attract or retain small businesses in your downtown? Is there a building in your community in need of redevelopment? This retreat is for municipalities, nonprofits, businesses, and community supported enterprises that are working on or exploring a building rehabilitation project or a project that strengthens community.
Fundraising and Project Management
July 9-10, 2024
What techniques do community projects use to successfully fundraise while enhancing the use of their historic buildings? Christine Graham of CPG Fundraising will be on hand to provide training in the areas of capital campaigns and annual giving. We will also explore how to manage a rehabilitation project, work with grantors, contractors, and the community to assure success. Presenters: Caitlin Corkins, Tax Credits & Grants Coordinator, Vermont Division for Historic Preservation; Jackson Evans, Field Services Representative, Preservation Trust of Vermont; Christine Graham, CPG Enterprises.
The Preservation Retreats are underwritten in part by generous support from the Kelly Lorraine Baggett Fund. Kelly was a UVM Graduate, a 31-year veteran of the United States Forest Service, and a former resident of Burlington, VT, where she spent many hours restoring and caring for her historic brick home overlooking Lake Champlain. Kelly won many awards for her outstanding contributions in research pertaining to sugar maple decline and American elm restoration, and wrote or co-wrote numerous scientific papers during her career. This fund pays homage to Kelly’s passion for history, the environment, and scholarship.
We are grateful for our partnership and underwriting support from The Vermont Division for Historic Preservation.