Heritage Conservation Network's Masonry Restoration Workshop Boosts Local Economy
A hands-on building conservation workshop at the historic Speaker's House in Trappe, Pennsylvania, in May will provide job skills training to young masons and support community revitalization efforts.

TRAPPE, PA, April 29, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- A group of masonry trainees will be working with masonry restoration expert Andy deGruchy at the Speaker's House in Trappe, Pennsylvania, May 17-30 to restore the façade of the 18th century home of Frederick Muhlenberg, first Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Allison Weiss, Executive Director of The Speaker's House, is extremely excited about the project, which has been a year in the planning. "Not only will this project contribute towards the restoration of the house, the emphasis on providing skills training is particularly relevant in the current economic climate." Long-term benefits will also accrue, she says, to both the participants and the community. Participants will be able to parlay the specialized conservation skills they will acquire into restoration work, which is in demand in a region known for its historic stone buildings. And the on-going restoration of The Speaker's House contributes to the appearance of Main Street and on-going efforts of economic revitalization.

The trainees bring with them a variety of motivations. One was inspired by the Puerto Rican sugar cane factory where her grandfather used to work that is being lost to the ravages of time; another is a single parent looking to improve his earning potential. All are interested in focusing their futures in the field of historic preservation. Mr. deGruchy, of Quakertown, is a renowned masonry restoration specialist who has invested considerable time, energy and resources into developing the next generation of historic masons. He developed this project, which takes the form of a two-week, hands-on course, in association with The Speaker's House, Heritage Conservation Network, and the University of Pennsylvania.

Students from The University of Pennsylvania will be providing laboratory services, gaining some practical experience of their own.

For more information about the project, see www.heritageconservation.net/ws-speakers-house.htm.

Press Release Contact Information:

Jamie Donahoe
Heritage Conservation Network
co-founder
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