For Release:   Immediate 
Contact:   518-465-0876 

ALBANY, NY -- March 10, 2003 -- Historic Albany Foundation will sponsor a series of practical workshops for homeowners entitled "Living Preservation" during March and April, 2003. 

These hands-on workshops, scheduled for Saturday mornings, will be presented by experts at historic private residences, workshops, and the Foundation's Architectural Parts Warehouse. The workshops will focus on topics such as paint and finish removal, old house ailments, and identifying the styles of historic homes. 

Made possible in part by a grant from the New York State Council for the Arts, Architecture, Planning & Design program, these workshops will offer ample time for questions and answers for anyone with an interest in Albany's turn-of-the-century (and older) housing stock. 

The cost for each workshop is $5 for members of the Foundation and $10 for the general public. Due to space limitations, reservations are required. Call the Foundation at 518-465-0876 for location information and to make reservations. 

The schedule includes: 
 

• Care and Restoration of Wood Floors
  (March 15, 10 a.m. - 12 noon)
  
  
• The Diagnosis and Treatment of Old House Ailments 
  (March 29, 10 a.m. - 12 noon) 
  
  
• Paint and Finish Removal 
  (April 5, 10 a.m. - 12 noon) 
  
  
• House Styles 101: Dating Tips 
  (April 26, 10 a.m. - 12 noon) 

Care and Restoration of Wood Floors
Saturday, March 15 • 10 a.m. - noon ~ Call for location

Floor work is often one of the first projects undertaken by homeowners.  This workshop will evaluate techniques for restoring and repairing wood flooring and provide an overview of flooring materials. 
Ed Pike is president and owner of Northern Pro Built, Inc. He holds an AAS in Construction Technology and has 35 years of experience in restoration work. He was employed by Western Building Restoration until 1990 when he started his own business. His company works on projects as wide ranging as column replacement, slate roofing, gold leafing and specializes in the repair of inlaid wood flooring.

The Diagnosis and Treatment of Old House Ailments
Saturday, March 29 • 10 a.m. - noon ~ Call for location

This popular workshop will present basic techniques to determine the cause of common problems in masonry and wood frame construction. Homeowners will learn to examine typical parts of a building where moisture may enter, and the cause behind such problems as rising damp, efflorescence and insect infestation. This is an excellent seminar for those contemplating the purchase of an old or historic home.
Jeff Dembowski holds an MA from Cornell University in Historic Preservation Planning. He worked for Historic Albany Foundation for many years as Parts Warehouse Manager, and currently works as a freelance restoration carpenter based in Albany. 

Paint and Finish Removal
Saturday, April 5 • 10 a.m. - noon ~ Call for location

This workshop, held at the artisan's studio, will cover all aspects of one of the most common and time-consuming old house chores – paint removal. Mechanical, chemical and heat stripping will be covered as well as the pros and cons of each approach.  The restoration of woodwork following stripping will also be discussed.
Peter Leue earned his BFA from the School of American Crafts at the Rochester Institute of Technology.  Since 1968, he has taught woodworking while pursuing his artistic career as a sculptor. He provides fine woodworking and cabinet making to the public from his Albany studio. He enjoys a wide regional reputation.

House Styles 101: Dating Tips
Saturday, April 26 • 10 a.m. - noon ~ Call for location

Covering the evolution of architectural styles and construction techniques in America between 1800 and 1930,  this seminar will focus on types of housing prevalent in Albany during those years, and how changes in materials and detailing can be studied to better understand the evolution of any house.
Bill Brandow works for HAF as Director of Technical Services and as a project Architect with John G. Waite Associates, an Albany architectural firm that specializes in preservation. He holds an MA in Architectural Conservation from the University of York, England.