So You Want to Be a Professional Preservationist?

If your dream is a career working with historic buildings, the many opportunities for preservation education can help.

By David Mertz

	Students in the University of Vermont's Historic Preservation Graduate Program discuss the conservation of an 1815 stone house in South Burlington, Vermont. Illustration Courtesy of the University of Vermont.

Being an educator in historic preservation, one of the questions I most often hear is, –How can I make a living doing what I love working on old houses?” Not surprisingly, there is no single, simple answer to the question. Over the last 40 years, historic preservation has grown to become a field that encompasses everything from folk history to the building trades, material conservation to law. The good news is that, more than ever, there are specific opportunities that can open the necessary doors if you wish to pursue historic preservation as a career.

Off to School
Academic Programs Abound in Level and Focus
One way to get started in preservation is to pursue a formal education in the field, either as an undergraduate or graduate student. Academic programs in architectural conservation and historic preservation began in the 1960s at Cornell and Columbia Universities, and today there are over 50 colleges and universities offering degrees and certificates in historic preservation and allied disciplines. The offerings are so diverse, in fact, you are all but assured of finding a program that will meet your specific needs.

Do you need a degree? Maybe not, but there are definite advantages to a formal education. First, a degree can add credibility to your resume. Almost all professional, administrative-type positions within preservation require a college degree, and many prefer that the degree be in historic preservation or an allied discipline. Second, a formal education systematically delivers a proven base of knowledge. Since this knowledge has already been determined to be necessary for the field, it gives you a solid foundation from which to work. Third, college faculty and placement departments can help you find a job when your studies are complete. Established programs have built networks of working graduates that are invaluable for keeping abreast of current trends and position openings. Finally, your overall preservation education will be more real-world oriented. From conducting surveys of local historical resources to hands-on construction work on vintage structures, most preservation programs are rooted in community activism, uniquely preparing their graduates for life after college.

If you are interested in an academic career, a good place to identify institutions that offer the type of education you desire is the National Council for Preservation Education (NCPE). Founded in the early 1970s to promote and advocate for preservation education, the NCPE is a nonprofit organization that sponsors an online directory with links to member organizations and brief descriptions of each program 's area of specialization. Start by contacting the department heads for further information. Then, if possible, take time to visit each institution and talk with the faculty and enrolled students about what makes their institution unique and how their program can help you fulfill your career aspirations.

Quick, Intensive Classes
Short Courses Range from Seminars to Workshops
There are other options for the prospective preservationist who is not interested in formal education. If it 's simply information you 're after, some nonprofit and for-profit organizations offer short courses that focus on particular aspects of historic preservation. Anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks in length, these programs immerse attendees in a specific topic a great way to test your depth of interest in a preservation career and they are often taught by the leading practitioners in the subject matter. For example, national preservation conferences hosted by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Association for Preservation Technology International, and the Traditional Building Exhibition and Conference (formerly Restoration and Renovation) all conduct pre- and postconference workshops. Likewise, state conferences (offered by statewide nonprofit preservation organizations, and by the state preservation office in individual states) often provide training opportunities. In some cases these workshops qualify for continuing education credits from organizations like the American Institute of Architects. More and more, local community organizations, colleges, and universities are sponsoring short courses, and many tradespeople have begun offering classes as a way to give back to their industry and supplement their incomes.

Short courses are a great way for someone who is currently working on the fringes of historic preservation to pick up the knowledge necessary to become a specialist. Real estate agents, craftspeople, historians, homeowners, and architects are just a few of the individuals who take advantage of these miniprograms. In most cases, historic preservation was not part of their formal education, so pursuing short courses in preservation theory or techniques augments their background while maximizing their investment in time and money.

On-the-Job Training
Apprenticeships and Trade Instruction are Alive and Well
For craftspeople, the historic way to learn a trade was through apprenticeship. Today, some individuals who already possess proven skills and know where they want to specialize also follow this practice by identifying accomplished artisans and approaching them about the possibility of a formal apprenticeship. Most traditional trades conduct an annual conference or meeting where the leaders of the field gather to share techniques and network. The Stained Glass Association of American and the Artist Blacksmiths Association of North America are just two of the many trade organizations that hold annual conferences, publish journals, and provide numerous educational opportunities for their members. The Preservation Trades Network, an umbrella organization of all the trades that typically work in historic preservation, holds an annual hands-on workshop and numerous education sessions each year. These events are fantastic opportunities to talk one-on-one with practicing craftspeople.

For apprenticeships to be successful, both parties have to benefit. Be prepared to dedicate three to five years of your life to the arrangement. Traditionally, during the early part of an apprenticeship, the master bears the financial burden of carrying the apprentice while he or she learns the rudiments of the trade. Approximately halfway through the apprenticeship, when the apprentice has learned enough revenue-producing skills, the economics shift and the apprentice begins contributing to the growth and success of the company.

Generations ago, an apprentice was often indentured to a master by a signed contract that ensured that the master would recoup his investment. Today, with indenturing a thing of the past, many craftspeople are reluctant to take on apprentices due to bad past experiences. In instances where apprentices learn the trade and then leave the master at the halfway point to set up their own business, the master not only fails to recoup his investment in the apprentice but also must now compete against him or her for future work. If you are looking for a traditional apprenticeship, you will need to convince your future master that you are dedicated to the trade and willing to fulfill your obligations.

Another way to get a taste of the building trades and actual construction work is to participate in Habitat for Humanity or a similar organization. Often conducted on weekends, these groups team professional building craftspeople with amateur volunteers to construct or renovate homes for low-income people. Although Habitat projects typically do not adhere to preservation doctrine, they do give participants the opportunity to network with local craftspeople, practice working at various trades, and even pick up some techniques. It 's a great opportunity to see whether or not a specific trade appeals to you physically and mentally, while at the same time giving back to the community.

Today, most introductory trades education takes place in formal educational settings. This is either through vocational training institutions (associated with high schools and/or employment retraining programs), or through the two-year technical and community college systems and private trade schools. In recent years, these institutions have put more and more emphasis on teaching preservation and restoration skills in conjunction with traditional craft skills. Such training produces graduates uniquely qualified to work on historic structures a workforce that makes sense as our building stock continues to age.

On the more administrative side, volunteering at a house museum or with your area 's restoration society can be a valuable experience. It will allow you to meet the local –movers and shakers” in the field and provide valuable contacts and recommendations when the time comes to build a career.

On to Work
The Point of Preservation Education
The question most asked by prospective students is, What is the outlook for employment beyond graduation? As one measure of job prospects, my office consistently receives more offers for openings at the trades level than my program can fill. Moreover, the buzz at most preservation conferences often focuses on the apparent lack of good, qualified craftspeople to carry out preservation-sensitive work. For graduate-level students looking for administrative positions, the economy often plays an important role in the availability of government-related jobs. Generally, the preservation field has been growing, especially in the private sector. Nonetheless, finding a job in preservation regardless of whether it 's administrative or trade related involves obtaining the necessary skills, remaining open to relocation, being persistent, and enjoying a little good fortune. Each individual institution or program should be able to provide you with placement statistics and the names and phone numbers of graduates who will talk to you about their job hunting experiences.

With so many options available, choosing the right path to a preservation career can sometimes feel daunting. Every one of us is different, and each brings their own unique criteria from family to finances to the task. The best way to make your choice is to make it an informed one. Do not approach the choice passively but rather actively, seeking advice from anyone who is willing and qualified to give it. If you truly believe in your heart that working in the preservation field is your calling, then pursue it with a passion. With a lot of hard work and a bit of luck, you will soon be getting paid for doing what you love.

David Mertz is director of the Building Preservation Technology Program at Belmont Technical College in St. Clairsville, Ohio, and past chairman of the National Council for Preservation Education.

You can find a listing of colleges and universities offering degrees and certificates in historic preservation at www.uvm.edu/histpres/ncpe.


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