PreserveCast

PreserveCast Ep. 41: Paint Chip Analysis with Dr. Susan Buck

From buildings to furniture to fine art, there are few historic objects or items that Dr. Susan Buck would be unable to analyze through the microscopic examination of paint samples. Join us for a conversation about Susan’s work on projects from Monticello in Charlottesville, Virginia to the Forbidden City in Beijing, China, and on items from 19th century Shaker furniture to Egyptian coffins from the 5th century B.C. What can we learn from a paint chip the size of a pin head? Find out on this week’s PreserveCast.

Listen here: https://www.preservecast.org/2017/10/16/paint-chip-analysis-with-dr-susan-buck/

PreserveCast Ep. 40: Colin Dickey's Ghostland and the PreserveCast Spooktacular

As preservationists, we here at PreserveCast are usually concerned with the physical history; what we can know from the cold hard facts. But seeing as how it’s October and Halloween is around the corner, we thought we’d talk a little about haunted history. Author Colin Dickey joined me to talk about the history of ghost stories and share what we can learn from the places that scare us. The conversation ranges all the way from Silicon Valley to Richmond Virginia on this, the first ever PreserveCast Spooktacular!

Listen here: https://www.preservecast.org/2017/10/09/colin-dickey-ghostland-and-the-preservecast-spooktacular/

PreserveCast Ep. 39: Joe McGill and the Slave Dwelling Project

Few historic moments continue to reverberate through our nation quite like the Civil War and the abolition of slavery. But despite the way the history lives on, there are some parts that will always be challenging for us to face as a nation. Joe McGill, the founder of the Slave Dwelling Project, joined me to discuss the work he does to shed light on some of the most painful, yet powerful, places in America. Join us for a discussion on the value of remember all aspects of our past, from slave dwellings to Confederate monuments, on this week’s PreserveCast.

Listen here: https://www.preservecast.org/2017/10/02/joe-mcgill-and-the-slave-dwelling-project/

 

Producer's note: This episode is part of our focus series on the history of the Antietam Battlefield. 

PreserveCast Ep. 38: Building Information Modeling at George Washington's Mount Vernon

Building Information Modeling (BIM) allows architects to measure elements of a building down to the centimeter, and Tom Reinhart is here to explain how George Washington's Mount Vernon is expanding on that technology even further to get the most benefit for historic preservationsits. What do you get when you cross information from George Washington's own handwritten letters and the latest tech in data systems and digital modeling? Find out on this week's PreserveCast!

Listen here: https://www.preservecast.org/2017/09/25/tom-reinhart-building-information-modeling-at-george-washingtons-mount-vernon/

PreserveCast Ep. 37: Save Historic Antietam Foundation: How to Preserve a Battlefield

It's hard to talk about the history of the Civil War without touching on the Maryland Campaign, which came to an end with the Battle of Antietam. This battle was not only the single bloodiest day of the War, but also preicpated Abraham Lincoln's issuing of the Emancipation Proclamation. And as important as the battle was, it would be extremely challenging to pass the history of that day on to future generations without the preserved Antietam Battlefield in its proper context, which is the way it is today thanks to Dr. Tom Clemens and the other members of the Save Historic Antietam Foundation. Learn more on this week's PreserveCast.

Listen here: https://www.preservecast.org/2017/09/18/dr-tom-clemens-save-historic-antietam-foundation-how-to-preserve-a-battlefield/

Producer's note: This episode is part of our focus series on the history of the Antietam Battlefield. 

PreserveCast Ep. 36: Community Forklift and the Ethics of Reuse with Ruthie Mundell

Community Forklift is part of a vital, growing industry, that of reuse and architectural salvage. Ruthie Mundell, the current Director of Outreach and Education and one of Community Forklift's first employees is here to share with us her own origin story, as well as share about the amazing work that the group is doing today. Stick around to learn how green thinking and the preservation of historic building materials can save the environment, and save you money on your next home improvement project.

Listen here: https://www.preservecast.org/2017/09/11/ruthie-mundell-community-forklift-and-the-ethics-of-reuse/

PreserveCast Ep. 35: The Archives of M.A.R.M.I.A.: Audio and Visual Media Preservation

Historic preservation is about maintaining a record of human history and those who have come before us, and that doesn't just mean buildings. Film, tape, and other analog media mediums are not going to last forever, and there are only a few people out there who understand the potential threat of losing countless hours of recorded information who have the technical skill, the energy, and the passion to do something about it. Fortunately for us, Siobahn Hagan is one of those people. She joined Nick to talk about the work she does with her non-profit, the Mid-Atlantic Regional Moving Images Archive (MARMIA), including digitizing the WJZ local news archive. So fire up the projector and turn down the lights on this episode of PreserveCast.

Listen here: https://www.preservecast.org/2017/09/05/siobhan-hagan-the-archives-of-marmia-audio-and-visual-media-preservation/

PreserveCast Ep. 34: Saving Froelicher Hall: Goucher College's Historic Building Move

Moving a historic home is already a challenge, but moving a historic college dorm? Stick around while Nick talks to Terence McCann, Jr., the Director of Facilities Management Services at Goucher College, where they are in the process of moving three out of four of the original buildings that make up Froelicher Hall. This move is historic in more ways than one, as it is also one of the biggest and fastest building move ever attempted. 

Listen here: https://www.preservecast.org/2017/08/28/terence-mccann-jr-saving-froelicher-hall-goucher-colleges-historic-building-move/

PreserveCast Ep. 33: Revolving Funds, Easements, and D.C. Preservation with the L'Enfant Trust

Historic Preservation is not always accomplished through the same methods, and it's certainly not the same everywhere you go. That's why Nick sat down with Lauren Oswalt McHale, President of the L'Enfant Trust in Washington, D.C., to compare notes on some of the trust's biggest programs. This includes their massive conservation easement program, as well as the trust's work using a revolving fund to redevelop historic properties in the Anacostia neighborhood in Southeast D.C., an area whose history has too often been ignored.

Listen here: https://www.preservecast.org/2017/08/21/lauren-oswalt-mchale-revolving-funds-easements-and-dc-preservation-with-the-lenfant-trust/

PreserveCast Ep. 32: Live from the Old Line State Summit!

On July 12th of this year, preservationists from across the state of Maryland convened at the U.S. Naval Academy to take part in the Old Line State Summit, Preservation Maryland's annual conference. Participants learned about all of the most current topics in the field, ranging from virtual and augmented reality, to the preservation of LGBTQ history, and podcasting! Join Nick and guests Diane Caslow, of the Preservation Maryland Board, Susan Giddings of the Friends of the Rising Sun Inn, and Catherine Rogers Arthur from the Maryland State Archives, along with the "studio audience" for a special recording of PreserveCast, Live from the Old Line State Summit!

Listen here: https://www.preservecast.org/2017/08/14/live-from-the-old-line-state-summit-conference/

PreserveCast Ep. 31: Saving the Numero Uno Taco Bell

Every once in a while we in the preservation community can do with a pick me up; a preservation story where in spite of the challenges, people's better nature prevails. And honestly that is the case with our guests this week, Matt Prince of Taco Bell, and Katie Rispoli Keaotamai of We Are The Next. With the support of Taco Bell, the local Conservancy of Downey, CA, and countless taco-loving citizens, Katie and Matt spearheaded the movement to save the building that was home to the very first Taco Bell. Stick around to hear how a few individuals and a corporate citizen who is willing to listen made national news. This is PreserveCast.

Listen here: https://www.preservecast.org/2017/08/07/matt-prince-katie-rispoldi-keaotamai-saving-the-first-taco-bell-in-california/

PreserveCast Ep. 30: GIS and Technological Advances in Archaeology

There's more to modern archaeology than the old shovel and trowell. With the use of Geographic Information Systems, archaeologists can create maps of land surface down to extraordinarily specific levels, and predict sites for teams to go in and dig. Nick sat down with Stacy Poulos from Maryland's own Anne Arundel County to discuss the many advances in technology in archaeology including GIS, laser scanning, and the potential future developments like holographic displays of lost buildings! This is PreserveCast.

Listen here: https://www.preservecast.org/2017/07/31/stacy-poulous-gis-and-technological-advances-in-archaeology/

PreserveCast Ep. 29: Glass, Gas, and the Past: Neon Sign Preservation and Restoration

Although not always the first thing to come to mind as a cultural resource in need of preservation, neon signs are a unique form of art that exist at the crossroads of 20th century popular history and the preservation of what can make a community unique. And they look cool doing it. Join us as Paul Greenstein, an expert in creating and restoring neon signage from Los Angeles, CA, shares some of his knowledge of how exactly neon works, what it takes to restore an old sign, and the state of the neon sign community today. So shine on, you crazy noble gases, this is PreserveCast!

Listen here: https://www.preservecast.org/2017/07/24/paul-greenstein-neon-sign-preservation-and-restoration/

PreserveCast Ep. 28: We Are The Next: Youth Engagement in the 21st Century

Historic Preservation is meant to keep the best parts of the past alive so that future generations can partake in these shared cultural resources. But what is the point of that if future generations aren't interested, or simply don't know how to approach the world of preservation? Thankfully, Katie Rispoli Keaotamai, the founder and executive director of We Are The Next, is here to share about the work her nonprofit is doing to help youth in traditionally underserved and overlooked communities learn how to be active citizens, and understand the value of preserving their neighborhoods and communities. Katie's joining us from Southern California, but her message applies around the world because this is PreserveCast.

Listen here: https://www.preservecast.org/2017/07/17/katie-rispoli-keaotamai-we-are-the-next-youth-engagement-in-the-21st-century/

PreserveCast Ep. 27: Energy Sprawl and Open Space Preservation in Kent County

The spread of clean energy technologies is the wave of the future, but where exactly should wind and solar plants go? Nick sat down with Elizabeth Watson and Janet Christensen-Lewis, of the Kent Conservation and Preservation Alliance in Kent County, Maryland, to discuss their experience working to find alternative locations for wind turbines away from Kent County's scenic and historic farmland. Janet and Elizabeth are tackling a difficult problem, but they believe that the necessary move to create sustainable energy does not have to mean erasing our past. 

Listen up here: https://www.preservecast.org/2017/07/10/elizabeth-watson-janet-christensen-lewis-energy-sprawl-and-open-space-preservation-in-kent-county/

PreserveCast Ep. 26: Open Source Preservation with Baltimore Heritage

These days even folks who consider themselves luddites may very well have an e-mail address. That's why it's important to consider where online all the data and information we use on a daily basis is stored, who owns, and perhaps most important, who can access. Fortunately we are joined this week by Eli Pousson of Baltimore Heritage who is eager to share with us more about the open source movement and why he believes it may be invaluable for historic preservation. This is PreserveCast.

Listen here: https://www.preservecast.org/2017/07/03/eli-pousson-open-source-preservation-with-baltimore-heritage/

PreserveCast Ep. 24: Diners, Dueling Grounds, and Dives: Roadside Architecture and the Anacostia Trails Heritage Area

Route One was once America's thoroughfare, built over the older Quebec-Miami International Highway and the Atlantic Highway. A decent stretch of this old road falls under the purview of Aaron Marcavitch, the Executive Director of Maryland's Anacostia Trails Heritage Area, and this week's guest. Aaron is an advocate for the preservation of roadside architecture, ranging from diners that predate the highway system to an old Woolworth's. This is all in addition to his work preserving communities and buildings throughout his area, including an old dueling ground just north of Washington D.C. Roll down the window and put your feet on the dash. This is PreserveCast. 

Listen here: https://www.preservecast.org/2017/06/19/aaron-marcavitch-roadside-architecture-and-the-anacostia-trails-heritage-area/

PreserveCast Ep. 23: The Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area

Thinking of taking a trip and the beach just isn't cutting it? You might stop to think about heritage tourism. Liz Shatto is here with us this week to share her knowledge of heritage tourism, and more specifically, about her own little slice of it at the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area. From educational school trips, to family vacations, and even gps treasure-hunting, there's a lot going on at this heritage area. Both geographically and spiritually at the heart of Civil War history, Liz's Heritage Area includes the Antietam Battlefield, and many other historic places. This is PreserveCast. 

Listen here: https://www.preservecast.org/2017/06/12/liz-shatto-the-heart-of-the-civil-war-heritage-area/

 

Producer's note: This episode is part of our focus series on the history of the Antietam Battlefield.

PreserveCast Ep. 22: It's Not the Heat, It's the Humidity: Preservation in the Southern Climate

Phew! Everybody loves the summertime, but not so much the beating hot sun! Nick spoke this week with Will Hamilton and Mariah Schwartz about the historic Aiken Rhett House in Charleston, South Carolina, and what preservationists can do to keep the temperature of a historic propoerty under control, especially in the heat of a Southern Summer. Get a fan going and try to cool off as we learn about the Historic Charleston Foundation, the preserve-as-found approach, and hottest new takes on heating and cooling. This is PreserveCast.

Listen here: https://www.preservecast.org/2017/06/05/will-hamilton-mariah-schwartz-its-not-the-heat-its-the-humidity-preservation-in-the-southern-climate/

PreserveCast Ep. 21: Lifting the Building: Historic Preservation and Flood Mitigation

Flooding is a serious problem for any building, but for a historic building, it can be catastrophic. Fortunately for us there are experts out there like this week's guest Rod Scott who are able to help property owners take preventative measures. Rod not only shares with us how one can raise a building above the floodplain, but also some of the chanigng economics of flooding and flood insurance, as well as why he believes that we are living in historic era of flooding. This is PreserveCast.

Listen here: https://www.preservecast.org/2017/05/29/rod-scott-historic-preservation-and-flood-mitigation/

PreserveCast Ep. 20: A Day in the Life of an Archaeologist with Stephanie Sperling

When you think of archaeology, you may not think of new artifacts being found all the time here in Maryland. But according to our guest, Director of Archaeology for Anne Arundel County Stephanie Sperling, there may be things worth digging up in your backyard! Stick around as we learn about a day in the life of a Maryland archaeologist. We're covering everything from Stephanie's favorite finds like a 10,000 year old Native American site and a forgotten 20th century baseball field, to the technology used in the field today and why an archaeologist won't go anywhere without her trowel. Get the dirt out of your ears for this episode of PerserveCast!

Listen here: https://www.preservecast.org/2017/05/22/stephanie-sperling-a-day-in-the-life-of-an-archaeologist/

PreserveCast Ep. 19: Revitalization and the Restoration Economy

Here at Preservation Maryland we know that historic preservation can be a part of a larger world of reuse and revitalization, and we know that these projects are occuring all over the world. That's why we brought in Storm Cunningham, a speaker, consultant, and thinker whose ideas have been put into practice all across the globe about his perspective on revitalization. Learn about the bigger picture of community revitalization and how we can make the most of our existing world in the 21st century on this episode of PreserveCast.

Listen here: https://www.preservecast.org/2017/05/15/storm-cunningham-revitalization-and-the-restoration-economy/

PreserveCast Ep. 18: Moving Historic Buildings

From power lines to old wood floors, there are a lot of challenges to overcome if you want to move a historic building. Fortunately for us, Jeremy Bradham, of Capitol Area Preservation in Raleigh, North Carolina, is able to explain how to overcome those challenges. Jeremy talks us through a typical building move, as well as weighing in on how changing a building's location can change its historic context. It's not going be too bumpy of a ride, but you still might as well strap in for this episode of PreserveCast. 

Listen here: https://www.preservecast.org/2017/05/08/jeremy-bradham-capital-area-preservation-north-carolina-moving-historic-buildings/

PreserveCast Ep. 17: Tricks of the Trade with The Craftsman Blog with Scott Sidler

Nick is joined by Scott Sidler of the thecraftsmanblog.com and Austin Home Restorations in Orlando, Florida, to discuss a range of topics, including Scott's tips on restoring historic windows in your own home, as well as the story of how a man who moved to Orlando Florida to "work for the mouse" came to run one of the most successful historic home restoration and preservation websites in the world. It's hot down in Orlando, so why cool not off for a while with a nice easy-listening episode of PreserveCast.

Listen here: https://www.preservecast.org/2017/05/01/scott-sidler-austin-historical-tricks-of-the-trade-with-the-craftsman-blog/

PreserveCast Ep. 16: Energy Retrofitting: Windows, Blower Doors, and More

What do you do with a drafty attic? A window? The whole house? Ed Minch and Thom Marston are here with us today to talk about one approach to making homes more energy efficient and their work at the nation's first energy audit company, Energy Services Group. Stick around and learn about Ed's "p.h.d." approach, what Thom thinks you should do about that old attic, and what retrofitting can mean in terms of historic preservation. This is PreserveCast.

Listen here: https://www.preservecast.org/2017/04/24/energy-services-group-energy-retrofitting/