The conference was great, the overarching theme was 'Preservation Beyond Politics,' and was hosted by the DC Chapter, which made all the lectures and paper discussions very applicable to the projects I’m working on around the DMV Region. Attending the conference very much had common themes that I come across while working on those projects. Having recently located from Charlotte, NC to DC at the beginning of the project, this conference provided me a lot of insight of the challenges the project encounters.
The virtual field survey titled 'Washington National Cathedral: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Hands-on Masonry Repair and Restoration' discussed the affects of the 2011 earthquake, that impacted many local historic structures including the one I am working on. Learning about the Washington National Cathedral’s masonry repair, restoration and seismic upgrade approaches provided me a deeper understand of approaches our team is investigating ourselves.
Other topics from envelope performance of historic structures to complying with accessibility code standards of historic handrails were also discussed which directly relate my job.
I feel very fortunate to have been selected to receive the scholarship and attend the conference, worked in tandem with my project.
APT DC added some in-person field sessions following the conference and I was able to attend a few of the sessions to complete the conference experience. One session, titled "Wonderland of Fun - the Preservation and Management of Glen Echo Park," particularly stood out.
"I learned about the importance of community and how this ensures the preservation of places — and how the programs offered at an historic site help ensure its place in the future," Danielle said. "The unique relationship between the National Parks Service and the Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture, allows them to continue their mission of liberal and hands-on education which started the park in 1891 by the National Chautauqua Assembly. The Assembly taught the sciences, arts, languages, and literature, but then turned the site into an amusement park during the Art Deco period.
NPS owns and operates the site, but the year-round cultural and recreational activities essential to the spirit of Glen Echo Park are provided by the Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture. Glen Echo Park offers a variety of classes that engages the public to visit the site. Classes include dance, glass blowing, and pottery which continues community engagement in the spirit of its original intent."
