Special Topics for Spring: Preserving the Recent Past January 30, 2009
Posted by history in : Classes , add a comment
HIPR 499/780 Special Topics, Preserving the Recent Past-FAQ
What is the recent past?
The recent past is a term generally used to describe historical and architectural resources younger than fifty years old. Did you know that it is estimated that up to 70% of our built environment was constructed in the decades following World War II? Thus, much of our built environment is from the recent past. Many of these resources are now reaching the point where they are now considered, gulp, historic. These resources, though abundant, face a plethora of preservation challenges, from a lack of appreciation to severe deterioration. To further complicate matters, many preservationists feel that these resources are not worthy of preservation efforts, others feel diverting attention to these resources puts “older” resources at risk and others are simply overwhelmed by the sheer abundance of them. International organizations like the World Monuments Fund and national organizations like the US National Trust for Historic Preservation have recognized the significance of this issue and have launched initiatives to bring international attention to the issue of the preservation of our more recent heritage.
Why should I take this class?
The reality is that if you are a student in the SBA, it is highly likely that, at some point in your career, you will have to deal with these resources. This innovative class will give SCAD students a competitive edge; contribute to the field of preservation and, ideally, help advance recent past preservation methodology on a national scale. If that last sentences meant nothing to you, fear not, they will by the end of the course. Suffice it to say, we will be doing a really cool, innovative final project. It will also be a lot of fun.
What will I learn?
• Basic preservation methodology and history including survey, documentation and evaluation.
• The history of the preservation of the recent past.
• Understand the philosophical issues associated with the preservation of our more recent heritage.
• Learn how to describe the architecture from the period and understand the types of historic resources common to the period.
• What innovative and cool efforts are taking place nationally and internationally to preserve and promote our more recent heritage
• Discuss existing models and methods for the survey, documentation and evaluation of the recent past in the US and abroad.
Do I need to be a historic preservation major?
Nope. We will go over the basics in the class so if you would like to learn more about historic preservation this class is a great opportunity to do that.
Who is teaching the class?
Professor Lambin. She is the departmental blogger, a Professor of Historic Preservation and author of Preserving Resources from the Recent Past.
Creative Brains Coming to Savannah January 30, 2009
Posted by history in : Events, SCAD, Savannah , add a commentIn my classes, I introduce my students to the concept of the creative economy and in some of my classes, we get to spent a little more time on it. For a really good succinct summary see the Planetizien (great resource by the way) article, “Rethinking Preservation” article from Planitizen, written by my former colleague Martha Frish. Needless to say, I think our historic towns and cities have a huge role to play in the creative economy. I was thrilled to learn (see below) that SCAD is bringing in a bushel basket full of creative economy gurus on March 6. This is a great opportunity to learn more from some of the best in the field. I’m guessing that HP won’t be at the top of their discussion points, but I consider jobs in HP to be part of this new economy.
Creative- and business-minded speakers offer advice at SCAD during “Art, Design and the Cultural Moment: Building the Creative Economy
Published: January 29, 2009
SAVANNAH, Ga.- In light of the current economic crisis, the Savannah College of Art and Design will bring experts to Savannah to discuss the value of creativity and ways it can rebuild businesses and the economy. The city of Savannah is a shining example of how creativity can act as an economic engine, refurbishing areas that have fallen into disrepair and sparking entrepreneurship, growth and success. “Art, Design and the Cultural Moment” will provide students, academics and businesses with a fresh look at how art and design in the early 21st century can build the creative economy and get the United States back on track.
On Friday, March 6, 10:30 a.m., authors Stuart Ewen and David Weinberger will give a panel discussion followed by the 1:30 p.m. keynote address, “A Whole New Mind,” by bestselling author Daniel Pink. A question-and-answer session and a book-signing event will follow the talk. All events take place at the Trustees Theater, 216 E. Broughton St. Tickets are $10 for the general public and free to SCAD students, faculty, and staff.
Daniel Pink’s address will discuss why high-tech abilities are giving way to high-concept and high-touch talents, the six essential aptitudes necessary for thriving in this emerging world, and why the widespread search for meaning is the greatest recruiting challenge and largest business opportunity of our time. Pink lectures to corporations, associations and universities around the world on economic transformation and the changing world of work. He authored “The Adventures of Johnny Bunko: The Last Career Guide You’ll Ever Need,” “A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule The Future” and “Free Agent Nation.” His articles on business and technology appear in publications including the New York Times, Harvard Business Review and Fast Company. He has provided analysis of business trends on CNN, CNBC, ABC, NPR and other networks in the U.S. and abroad.
David Weinberger’s status as our foremost and funniest interpreter of technology’s impact on business and society continues to grow. His new book, “Everything Is Miscellaneous: The Power of the New Digital Disorder,” reveals new principles for taking advantage of the onrushing flood of information in order to help us pull ourselves together. He will address the key elements of an information and technology revolution that impacts how we organize our businesses, increases customers’ newfound control of the information they touch, and challenges the core concepts of who and what we trust. Weinberger is a fellow at Harvard University’s Berkman Center, a former philosophy professor, gag writer for Woody Allen, NPR commentator, technology columnist, weblogging pioneer, and a dot com entrepreneur.
Stuart Ewen is considered one of the originators of the media studies field and his writings continue to shape debates in the field. His influential books include “PR!: A Social History of Spin” and “All Consuming Images: The Politics of Style in Contemporary Culture.” The latter provided the foundation for Bill Moyers’ four-part PBS series, “The Public Mind.” His most recent book is “Typecasting: On the Arts and Sciences of Human Inequality,” co-authored with Elizabeth Ewen. Through a series of historically situated vignettes, “Typecasting” presents an interpretation of modern stereotyping through the interwoven fabrics of art, science, religion and popular culture.
For more information including accommodations and travel specials, visit www.scad.edu/adcm or call 912.525.5838. Tickets are available at the SCAD box office, 216 E. Broughton St., or online. Media may call 912.525.5225 for interview and image requests.
Working Life January 28, 2009
Posted by history in : Uncategorized , add a commentIt’s no secret that graduating students will be entering an intensely competitive job market. When I was laid off from my first job after college, I went to see a guidance counselor at my alma mater, Loyola University. I was considering going back to school at the time and I asked her if I should just focus on school or finding a new full-time job in my previous field and/or just wait tables in the meantime. She have me some very wise advice. She said that no matter what, I should keep a foot in the door of my previous profession (archaeology) or stick a foot in the door of my new area of interest (historic preservation). If it meant volunteering or cobbling together enough jobs I should do it. It looks better than a gap in the resume.
I found a part time job at the Chicago Historical Society (recently renamed the Chicago History Museum) in the no longer extant Prints and Photographs Division (more on that later) and took another job waiting tables, and another job doing catering, and another job doing city tours as a step on-guide (i.e. a tour bus would pull up, I’d step on and give the passengers a tour of the city). I was the woman with many jobs. While I was at CHS, the Curator of Archiecture left and they needed someone to cover appointments for researchers so that was left to me. Working in both departments was fascinating, I learned a lot about photography, architecture, archival managment, how do to research, the history of Chicago, and the many challenges that museums face. I got to handle original images taken by noted preservationist Richard Nickel who gave his life to the cause, peruse drawings made by architecture giant Louis Sullivan, gaze at photographs of a city that no longer existed, and examine renderings of buildngs that were no more. I also met many people in the preservation community who were there doing research. Did I get rich? Heck no. Not monetarily. I was lucky to be able to pay my rent, but, as hokey as it sounds, I got rich in other ways. I met alot of people, connections that proved useful later on, I learned a lot and having the badge that enabled me to go behind all the super-secret doors and panels was really cool. I mean what preservationist doesn’t alwalys want to go beyond the door that says no entry. Admit it, you’ve peeked in the closets at house museums. I was allowed sanctioned peeping, opening drawers full of images by Matthew Brady, flat files full of drawings by Chicago’s Famous archiects, and box lots with stencils from Pullman Cars and on top of it all understanding the mystery that is the Library of Congress classification system. Heck yeah it was worth it.
I left in the midst of a great restructuring where all the collections were assembled into one giant collection to make research allegedly… easier. Sigh. But that’s a whole other story…..
So, before you turn down a job or internship because it doesn’t pay enough, especially when you are just starting off in your career, spend a little time thinking about the other potential benefits of the position and if its worth making it work.
NPS: Cultural Resource Diversity Internship Program January 27, 2009
Posted by history in : Internships , add a commentInternship descriptions can be found here.
Diverse undergraduate and graduate students must submit an electronic version the following information to Turkiya Lowe, Program Coordinator, at turkiya_lowe at contractor.nps.gov:
A resume or a curriculum vitae (1-2 pages) that includes: educationinformation; previous and currentexperience; publications or presentations; awards, scholarships, honors, etc.; and 2-3 personal references.
A cover letter that includes a brief statement, 150 words or less, ofwhy you want the internship and why you are qualified. Please list2-3 internships that you are interested in performing.
A recent academic transcript. An unofficial one is acceptable. At least one letter of reference from a professor or previous supervisor/employer.
The application deadline is March 16, 2009. For more information, visit the Frequently Asked Questions page for students http://www.nps.gov/history/crdi/internships/faqstudents.htm or contact Turkiya Lowe, Program Coordinator, at: turkiya_lowe@ contractor.nps.gov or 202-354-2266.
Turkiya L. Lowe
Cultural Resources Diversity Internship Program NRHP/NHL Program National Park Service
1849 C Street
Mail Stop 2280
Washington, DC 20240
(202) 354-2266
(202) 371-2229 fax
Mellon Postgraduate Fellowship in Furniture and Woodwork Conservation Philadelphia Museum of Art January 27, 2009
Posted by history in : Internships, hands-on , add a commentThe Philadelphia Museum of Art offers a one year Mellon Postgraduate
Fellowship in Furniture and Woodwork Conservation, beginning in
September 2009. The Fellowship may be extended for up to two
additional years pending review of the Fellow’s work. Applicants
should be graduates of a recognized conservation training program or
have equivalent experience. The focus of the fellowship may include
the conservation of furniture, architectural woodwork, painted
surfaces, or minimally intrusive upholstery. The Fellow will
examine, conduct research, and perform treatments on the Museum’s
diverse collections and will participate in preservation activities
throughout the Museum.
Each fellowship includes a stipend of $31,000, health insurance,
$3,000 in travel funds, and $2,000 for research support. Applicants
should send a letter with a statement of interest; a resume;
transcripts of graduate and undergraduate courses; several samples
of examination reports and treatment records with photographs; any
published treatments or research; and two supporting letters from
conservation professionals familiar with the candidate’s work to:
David de Muzio
Elaine S. Harrington Senior Conservator of Furniture and
Woodwork
Philadelphia Museum of Art
PO Box 7646
Philadelphia PA 19101-7646
You may contact David directly at ddemuzio [at] philamuseum__org or
215-684-7555, with any questions.
All application materials must be received by March 15, 2009.
EOE
SPA Meeting! January 27, 2009
Posted by history in : Uncategorized , add a commentTonight 5PM in Room 304, Eichberg Hall.
USGBC Savannah Green Product Expo January 27, 2009
Posted by history in : Conferernces and Symposia, Events, Green , add a commentSave the Date:
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 4-7pm
Charles Morris Center, 10 East Broad Street, Savannah
Deadline 1/31: Scholarship for Graduate Study in Historic Preservation January 20, 2009
Posted by history in : Scholarships, Students , add a commentThis is a great opportunity and a generous scholarship. Grad students should apply!
Purpose
The Mildred Colodny Scholarship program provides financial assistance and experiential learning opportunities to individuals preparing for careers in historic preservation. The purpose of the Colodny Scholarship is to increase the diversity of people pursuing degrees and careers in historic preservation in the United States. The National Trust is seeking culturally diverse applicants whose commitment to historic preservation will be strengthened by obtaining a graduate degree in preservation, who will benefit from the internship and mentorship opportunities provided by the Trust, and who ultimately will contribute valuable, diverse perspectives to — and become leaders in — the field of preservation.
The National Trust is committed to representing the full breadth of our nation’s experience in its activities and to leading the historic preservation movement in promoting and including diversity in its goals.
The National Trust defines diversity as inclusive, embracing people of all races, creeds, genders, ages, sexual orientations, religions, physical characteristics and abilities, veteran status, and economic or social backgrounds. It also encompasses historic places, communities and geographical areas that represent the full range of unique characteristics, experiences, and cultures.
Award
Up to $15,000 towards graduate school tuition; a $5,000 stipend for a summer internship with the National Trust following the student’s first year of study; and up to $1,500 towards the student’s attendance at a National Preservation Conference.
One scholarship package per year will be awarded. Tuition payments will be made over the course of the recipient’s time in a graduate program. The summer internship will be based at the National Trust’s Washington Office, or — if appropriate and desired by the student, and at the Trust’s discretion - at one the Trust’s regional offices or historic sites. Housing during the internship and travel expenses are not provided. The conference award may be used for conference registration, hotel accommodations and/or travel expenses related to attendance at the conference.
If funding permits, partial tuition awards may be made to additional recipients. Availability of additional scholarships will be determined on a year by year basis.
Eligibility
Students in their final year of undergraduate study intending to enroll in a graduate program in historic preservation; or graduate students enrolled in or intending to enroll in historic preservation programs. The program of study must be at a U.S. university, college or institution, and in order to receive the internship stipend portion of the award, students must be eligible to work in the U.S.
Selections will be based partly on financial need, and partly on application materials, undergraduate academic performance, promise shown for future achievement, commitment to working in preservation in the United States following graduation, and potential to help increase diversity within the preservation movement. Applications will be reviewed through a flexible consideration of all pertinent elements of diversity in light of the particular qualifications of each applicant.
Students who have received the scholarship in a previous year are not eligible to apply.
Eligible Fields of Study
Historic Preservation, or graduate programs in departments of History, Architecture, American Studies, Urban Planning, Museum Studies, etc, with a primary emphasis on Historic Preservation.
How to Apply
Applications must be postmarked or received by fax no later than January 31. Selected candidates will be contacted for phone interviews by mid-March. Final selection will be made and announced by mid-April.
Candidates must fill out and return the attached application form, along with a resume, 2 letters of recommendation and appropriate academic transcripts (see application for details).
If you have any questions about the scholarship or the application, please contact David Field, Colodny Scholarship Coordinator, at 800-944-NTHP x 6124 or via email at david_field@nthp.org.
Call for Posters: Global Teach-in January 19, 2009
Posted by history in : Advocacy, Opportunities, Resources, Students, Sustainability , add a commentWhen when most people think about sustainability they think of new I know not. But HP has been advocating the reuse and recycling of our built environment for over a century. We encourage people to revitalize their urban areas, we encourage transit friendly design, locally owned businesses and traditional downtown, now is your chance to let the larger global community know how important and relevant HP is. HP majors submit your posters proposal today. The deadline is fast approaching!
The first 100 days of the new administration. A new leader in the White House. A critical moment for the future of life on earth. Participate by submitting your concept/project to the poster session for this year’s teach-in.
Check out “Definition of a Poster Session” here:
WHAT::
Posters will be displayed during the Teach-In; blocks of time on Thursday and Friday will be set aside for students to “present” their posters to Teach-In attendees and presenters.
WHY:
Poster sessions are a great way to add to your portfolio, develop your ideas, concepts, and projects and get real-time feedback! And posters can be the first step in finding like-minded collaborators to turn your dreams into reality!
WHO::
Open to all SCAD students
THEME::
Topics related to sustainability (i.e., forms of alternative energy, eco-materials, efficiency
innovation, etc.). THIS WOULD BE A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO GET THE WORD OUT ABOUT HISTORIC PRESERVATION, SUSTAINABILITY AND EMBODIED ENERGY!
HOW::
Confirm your participation, send confirmation email to: v paepcke@scad.edu (delete spaces) to reserve a space by January 22nd.
Create your 27″ x 34″ poster. Submit your poster to the IDUS Dept. in Gulfstream by Friday, January 31st. You must include your email & phone number.
You’ll be notified by Monday as to whether your poster will be included. For more information on the teach in click below.
TEACH-IN on GLOBAL WARMING ARNOLD HALL | WEDS. FEB 4, THURS. FEB 5, FRI. FEB 6
ORGANIZED BY THE COUNCIL FOR SUSTAINABILITY AND ECO-PRACTICES AT SCAD
The Civil Rights in Savannah January 16, 2009
Posted by history in : Savannah , add a commentOn Monday, Savannah will honor the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. with the MLK Day Parade which will take place at ten AM. In honor of MLK day, my Historic Preservation 101 students will be visiting the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum which chronicles the Civil Rights movement in Savannah. Below is excerpted a description of the history of the Museum from it’s Web site:
Savannah’s Civil Rights Movement was different from those in other cities across the South. Its strategy of nonviolent protest reflected what was going on nationally, but the movement in Savannah was fueled with home grown passion. It was fully organized and implemented by local African American citizens, the victims of the laws which gave people of color second class status. Outstanding leadership in the local adult and youth branches of the NAACP, the courage and eagerness of Savannah’s youth, and the wisdom of local elders combined to make the quest for equal rights in Savannah, truly, a movement from within.
Black Savannah came together to develop a well organized plan to boycott and protest injustice during the civil rights movement. And through the sacrifices and indignities they endured during their pursuit of equality and justice for all of Savannah’s citizens, the city became, according to museum officials, richer, more just and diverse. Because of the struggle that blacks endured, the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum preserves and shares the history of the unique struggle and triumph of Savannah’s NAACP led civil rights movement.
W. W. Law, a long time civil rights activist and former head of the Savannah branch of the NAACP, holds firm to his conviction that historic preservation and civil rights must be strongly linked. To this end, Law vigorously protested the early budgetary plans of Savannah’s Olympic Committee prior to the 1996 Games. Mr. Law was astounded by the lack of representation and recognition of black interests by the committee. According to Velma McKenzie, who has been the director of the museum from the beginning, the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum not only embodies the story of Savannah’s black community struggle for freedom and equality, it is also a concrete first step toward Law’s greater vision of preserving Savannah’s oldest black neighborhoods. For this purpose a more appropriate site would have been difficult to find. Originally erected in 1914 by Atlanta contractor Robert Pharis, the building first housed the Wage Earners Savings and Loan–America’s second largest black-owned bank at the time. The building later became the home of the Savannah branch of the NAACP before falling into a period of neglect.
Law began a crusade to restore the once vibrant black business district where the museum is now located when he retired. Immune to criticism, he persevered in spite of scorn from a younger generation of African Americans. Many members of the younger generation want nothing to do with reminders of a segregationist past, according to Law. He is galled by this and often speaks quite bluntly about it . In an interview with the Savannah Morning News, Law stated that “if we are going to have an integrated society, then there has to be an appreciation of the contribution that everybody made…You see young people who have no idea how we got here(and the sacrifices made.)”
Law did a remarkable job of advocating for the preservation of Savannah’s African-American heritage. There is still much work that needs to be done to continue to carry out his pioneering work. I know I still have a tremendous amount to learn about Savannah in general as well as this part of Savannah’s past. It wasn’t until moving here, that I really learned about the important role that Savannah played in the Civil Right’s moment. The excerpt below is taken from the New Georgia Encyclopedia (which is a great resource by the way).
In Savannah, a united, widespread, and unremitting campaign led by W. W. Law, head of the local NAACP,
 |
| W. W. Law |
forced city leaders to agree to desegregate public and private facilities from October 1, 1963, some eight months ahead of federal civil rights legislation. In his 1964 New Year’s Day address, Martin Luther King Jr. described Savannah “as the most desegregated city south of the Mason-Dixon line.” Law himself was fired from his job as a postman during the height of the crisis but was reinstated when the trumped-up nature of his charges became a national scandal. Georgia’s other notably successful movements were in Brunswick, Macon, and Rome, where black leaders often used the threat of heightened protest to force anxious city governments to take the lead in avoiding social unrest.
I wish I had been able to meet Mr. Law. Preservation sometimes suffers from the single-narrative syndrome. This is “our” history, which often means white history, pretty history. In recent decades there has been a great broadening of the preservation movment, revitalizing sites that represent the amazing mosaic that is American history and culture. Some of these sites have difficult histories, some of these narratives tell a story that is difficult to hear. There is still so much we need to do. Historic preservation should represent multiple narratives. Just because history is shocking and sad and the ideology from that era should be discarded does not mean the “artifacts” that it produced should be discarded. Thank you to W.W. Law for making Savannah a more interesting and beautiful place reflecting a history that wasn’t alwalys so beautiful.
Fifty years ago an African-American person couldn’t get served lunch in downtown Savannah. On Monday, there will be will be a parade to honor Martin Luther King, Jr. and all the others who sacrificed so much, even their lives for a vision of a better tomorrow. For all those that sacraficed so much, I am grateful.