December 7, 2022

*Bagala Window Works display at 2019 Old House Trade Show*

*Plaster Magic display at 2019 Old House Trade Show*

As an organization that’s been around for nearly 60 years, we are involved in a lot of different things, and we want to make sure you know the full scope of what we do.

Without skilled tradespeople to actually carry out the work of preservation, all of our advocacy efforts would be for nothing.

What does this mean for our work?

In November, the Campaign for Historic Trades released a report on the status of historic trades in America. This document lays out the economic impact of historic preservation on the national economy and stresses the importance of providing support for these fields. It is a resource that is expertly researched and produced and will be an invaluable reference for us moving forward.

This winter, we’ll be hosting ongoing discussions with the area’s best tradespeople. These conversations bring forward ideas and action to share their passion with a new generation of workers to learn age old skills along with new techniques that make the preservation of old buildings not only possible but safe and sustainable for the future.

Our Preservation Directory is a wonderful resource for tradespeople to promote their businesses to our constituents who are looking not just for any old contractor, but for those who share their preservation goals. This one-stop-shop for people seeking projects takes some of the guesswork out of renovations, repairs, and even the buying and selling of properties.

The revival of our trade show, newly christened the Old House Emporium, is the opportunity to bring tradespeople into the same room as homeowners, renters, potential employees, and anyone else who just has an interest in preservation an all that it entails. This biennial event is more than just a home show, but one with a specific focus on keeping buildings' character while making them work for a modern lifestyle. We're still working out all the details, but we have some very exciting things in store for you, so stay tuned!