2025 SYMPOSIUM |
The Washington, DC Chapter of the Association for Preservation Technology is pleased to announce its Fall 2025 Symposium. This year's theme is Unforeseen Conditions.
Adaptability is key to the success of projects involving rehabilitation of historic sites, as Unforeseen Conditions have the ability to derail even the most carefully laid plans. These unforeseen conditions can take a variety of forms, such as concealed conditions or features, or unknown previous alterations. They can also take the form of newly discovered treasures including previously unknown historical documentation found in an archive or buried and long forgotten historical artifacts.
The methods for handling these unforeseen conditions are as varied as the conditions themselves, often requiring unique and creative solutions. This symposium will focus on unique challenges with unforeseen conditions including:
- What was the discovered unforeseen condition and in what context was it found?
- How was the unforeseen condition investigated?
- How did the unforeseen condition affect the progress or direction of the project?
- What creative solutions were developed to handle the unforeseen condition?
- How will this experience inform planning for a similar unforeseen condition in the future?
The presentations include:
- Case studies of preservation projects with significant unforeseen conditions.
- Application of new or novel technologies and techniques in the handling of unforeseen conditions.
- Compelling lessons learned and recommendations.
The symposium will include eight (8) paper presentations, a walking tour, and an optional happy hour.
Agenda:
| 8:30AM – 9:00AM | Breakfast and Registration |
| 9:00AM – 9:10AM | Welcome Remarks Zachary Burt (APT DC President), Kevin Wohlgemuth (APT DC Symposium Committee Chair) |
| 9:15AM – 10:00AM | Keynote Address: Title TBD Greg Galer (Executive Director APTI), introduction by Taryn Williams (former APTI President) |
| 10:05AM – 10:50AM | A Visible Vault: Floored by Historic Structures Nancy Bateman (National Building Museum), Nicholas Sowatzke (TYLin) |
| 10:55AM – 11:25AM | Conditions Change in a Flash: Failing Lead Flashing at Davidge Hall Hanna St. Onge (The Christman Company) |
| 11:30AM – 12:00PM | Title TBD James Ballard (GBG Group) |
| 12:00PM – 1:00PM | Lunch |
| 1:00PM – 1:30PM | Into the Thicket: Using GNSS and Airborne LiDAR to Map Overgrown Bench Terraces at the Saunders Farm Chris Robey (National Park Service) |
| 1:35PM – 2:05PM | Criteria for Evaluation, Treatment, and Replacement of Terra Cotta Masonry Charu Chaudhry (Thornton Tomasetti) |
| 2:10PM – 2:40PM | So, you bought an old house? The Top 10 things your structural engineer wants you to know. Michael Zajac (SGH) |
| 2:40PM – 2:55PM | Afternoon Break |
| 2:55PM – 3:25PM | Lurking Leaks: The Impacts of Unforeseen Water Intrusion at UCLA's Powell Library John D. Lesak, Sarah E. Brummett (Page & Turnbull) |
| 3:30PM – 4:00PM | "The Forms of Things Unknown": Transferring the North Wall of the Folger Shakespeare Library Grace Meloy (TYLin) |
| 4:00PM – 4:05PM | Closing Remarks |
| 4:30PM – 6:00PM | Walking Tours (including travel): Locations TBD |
| 6:00PM – 7:30PM | Happy Hour (optional) Right Proper Brewing Company |
This year's symposium is available for in-person and virtual attendees.
Registration includes full breakfast and lunch, AIA CEUs, APT DC swag, and a walking tour. A separate happy hour ticket includes drinks and light snacks following the symposium program. Please join us for both!
| APT DC Member | $125 |
| Non-Member | $150 |
| Current/Recent Federal Employee (in-person or virtual) | $75 |
| Virtual Only | $75 |
| Student | $25 |
| Happy Hour (optional ticket) | $10 |
Continuing Education: 6.0 LU/HSW AIA CEU credits are approved (5.0 for the presentation sessions and 1.0 for the walking tour).
Volunteer Cleaning Day at Oak Hill Cemetery (9/6): Join APT DC on Saturday, September 6, for a volunteer cleaning event at Oak Hill Cemetery. 4.0 LU/HSW AIA CEUs are approved. More information to come.
Please contact symposium@aptdc.org if you have any questions.
PAST SYMPOSIA |
2023 Bridging the Gap Between Then and Now: Preservation of Historic Infrastructure
2022 Sacred Spaces
2021 A Moveable Feast
2020 The Game of Risk: Win the Game and Preserve the World (Member Version)
2019 The Preservationist's Toolkit
2018 Masonry Cleaning Workshop with APTi
2017 Energy Efficiency of Historic Sites
2016 Digital Documentation for Heritage Preservation
2015 Jewels of Light Stained Glass Conference
2014 The Challenges of Preserving Modern Materials and Assemblies
2013 Disaster Preparedness, Response, and Recovery for Cultural Resources