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Savannah Tech to mark Preservation Week 2011
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SAVANNAH – Against a backdrop of historic buildings, stately oaks and squares with historic monuments Savannah Technical College proudly celebrates Preservation Week 2011 with free classes for the public featuring expert guest speakers on preservation-related topics. Some sessions include hands-on activities for participants. This year’s theme, Traditional Building Arts, focuses on teaching the “lost” building trades typically used on historic sites.

“This is the second year Savannah Tech and its students have been involved in Preservation Week activities,” said Stephen Hartley, historic preservation instructor. “We’re starting to gain visibility locally and that’s sparked a lot of interest in our programming.” Hartley, who holds a master of Fine Arts in preservation from SCAD and a B.S. in history from Coastal Carolina University is well known nationally among preservationists. Traditional Building Magazine, in its April 2011 edition, named Savannah Technical College’s Historic Preservation program as one of the nation’s Up and Coming programs.

Savannah Technical College offers the only two-year historic preservation program in Georgia. Historic Preservation and Restoration is offered on the Savannah Campus, 5717 White Bluff Road.  The schedule for Preservation Week follows. Information about session presenters is attached. NOTE: Seating is limited to 20 in each section; pre-registration is encouraged by phone (912) 443-5864 or shartley@savannahtech.edu


May 7
8 a.m.-noon
Neighborhood Cleanup Day with Historic Savannah Foundation
1004 E. Park Ave., Savannah.
Students will be cleaning 1004 E. Park Ave, a HSF revolving Fund Site. Learn basics of site maintenance as well as building assessment procedures. Proper workplace attire is required.

May 9
Lime mortar essentials – presented by Donnie Gillis and Steve Elkins
5:30-8:30 p.m.  Industrial Technology Center Room 109
Savannah Technical College, 5717 White Bluff Rd.
The use of lime based mortar has traditionally been the method of laying brick and store. Using locally sourced material, lime mortar is the appropriate choice for repairs on historic properties. Presenters Donnie Gillis and Steve Elkins will review the common techniques in lime mortar application including mixing, applying and finishing of historic brick masonry.

May 10
Introduction to Blacksmithing  - presented by Stephen Hartley
5:30-8:30 p.m.  Industrial Technology Center Room 109
Savannah Technical College, 5717 White Bluff Rd.
This session will cover the basics of forge work including proper forge safety, basic forging techniques and finishing. Each participant will produce an item to take home.

May 11
Plaster Crack Repair – presented by Jason Kotarski
5:30-8:30 p.m.  Industrial Technology Center Room 109
Savannah Technical College, 5717 White Bluff Rd.
This session, geared toward owners of historic buildings as well as those who restore them, will teach the essentials of plaster crack repair including proper preparations, mixing, and application.

May 12
Introduction to Stained Glass – presented by Stephen Hartley
5:30-8:30 p.m.  Industrial Technology Center Room 109
Savannah Technical College, 5717 White Bluff Rd.
This session will teach guests the basics of stained glass work including cutting, soldering, and window construction. Each participant will build their own stained glass window to take home.
*student assistants: Lynn Klar and Emily Love

May 14
Log Hewing – presented by Stephen Hartley
10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Old Fort Jackson Historic Site   Admission  $6 proceeds to benefit Old Fort Jackson restoration
1 Fort Jackson Road, Savannah.

Using 100-year-old logs salvaged from the Savannah River, the Savannah Tech crews will demonstrate the correct method of laying out logs, hewing, and finishing.  Proper ax sharpening techniques will also be covered. Observers are welcome to try their hand, but proper safety attire and equipment are required.