Practical Preservation Podcast Featuring Robert Blackson of Temple University’s Vital Signs Project

Robert Blackson, Director of Temple Contemporary Tyler School of Art and Architecture at Temple University in Philadelphia, joined the Practical Preservation Podcast to discuss the Vital Signs Project. We covered many things, including: Robert’s background as a curator and belief that “culture is something that civilizes us.” The history of sign-painting for advertisement purposes, including …

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Keeping Your Historic Home Cool in Summer

KEEPING YOUR HISTORIC HOME COOL IN SUMMER is an essential part of living comfortably today. But, how was it done in the past, and what can we do now? We’ve outlined the history and applicable steps for you.    1880’s photo of a British home in India. Image source: Wikipedia’s entry on Punkahs   Historic Cooling …

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Practical Preservation Podcast Featuring Julie Fitzpatrick and Mary Tate of PA Downtown Center

Julie Fitzpatrick and Mary Tate, Executive Director and Field Services Coordinator of Pennsylvania Downtown Center, joined the Practical Preservation Podcast to discuss the nonprofit organization’s mission and services. We covered a multitude of topics including: Julie and Mary’s backgrounds in related fields  How the mainstreet methodology remains relevant, particularly when addressing current issues and “creating …

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Preservation and Inclusivity

Here at Keperling Preservation Services, we focus primarily on built history. But built history and places are relevant because of people. Examining architecture out of the human context lacks the same significance. People and their shared stories and history are the foundation upon which we build the house of preservation. We’re currently living through a …

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Practical Preservation Podcast Featuring Patricia O’Donnell and Gregory De Vries of Heritage Landscapes

Patricia O’Donnell and Gregory De Vries, founder and managing partner of Heritage Landscapes, joined the Practical Preservation Podcast to discuss their preservation landscape architecture and planning firm. We covered a multitude of topics including: How their diverse educational backgrounds enabled them to forge their current careers in a niche industry Terminology including “landscaping” vs. “landscape …

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Traditional Joinery

TRADITIONAL JOINERY  is a term we’ve all heard as a hallmark of historical millwork.  But what is it and why is it so important in preservation of historic buildings?   1880’s joiner shop in Germany. Image source: Wikipedia’s Entry on a Joiner What is Traditional Joinery? Joinery in general is the woodworking technique that joins …

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Practical Preservation Podcast Featuring Samuel Slaymaker of Rock Ford Plantation

Samuel C. Slaymaker, III, Executive Director of Rock Ford Plantation in Lancaster, PA, joined the Practical Preservation Podcast to discuss the museum and property’s history, services, and events. We covered a multitude of topics including: Samuel’s background and what led him to his current role of director, including growing up in his ancestral home, itself …

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Porches: History, Revival, and Preservation

It’s June. Summer’s seasonal activities and fine weather beckon us outdoors. This, combined with renewed desire for calm, traditional, home-based activities (as well as some necessary lifestyle adjustments secondary to COVID-19), invite us to turn a more appreciative eye to an old friend: the porch. Or veranda. Or portico. Whatever the preferred moniker, porches are …

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Practical Preservation Podcast Featuring Noel Beauchamp of Olde Good Things

Noel Beauchamp, of Olde Good Things, joined the Practical Preservation podcast to discuss the company’s architectural salvage services. We covered a multitude of topics including: The company’s background and evolution from selling small items to large architectural pieces (it started with an iron gate from Brooklyn) How they approach rescuing architectural materials to stay ahead …

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