Boulder, Colorado, October 22, 2007 – Heritage Conservation Network is pleased to announce its 2008 schedule of hands-on building conservation workshops. These workshops, taking place in five different countries, provide essential practical experience in working with a variety of historic materials and heritage preservation issues; participants learn skills while they contribute to the preservation and restoration of valuable heritage sites. Each workshop is led by a technical expert who teaches and guides participants as they carry out critical conservation work.

HCN’s workshops bring together professionals, students, and local and international volunteers working to build a future for the past. In many cases, workshop leaders are internationally known experts in their field, providing an unparalleled opportunity for learning. The 2008 series is as follows:

• April 20 – May 3: Clues to the Cloister: Scientific Investigation and Documentation, Monastery of San Giovanni Battista, Serravalle, TV, Italy
• May 25-31: Prairie Preservation at the Hutmacher Farmstead, Killdeer, North Dakota, USA
• July 7-11, 2008: Preserving Log Structures: Advanced Techniques, Virginia City, Montana, USA
• September 2-12, 2008: City Center Recover & Conservation Efforts, Kumayri Historic District, Gyumri, Armenia
• September 14-27, 2008: Restoring the Heart of a Vineyard – 16th Century Mlinars Cottage, Šmartno ob Paki, Slovenia
• September 28-October 11, 2008: Kullë Conservation: Masonry Conservation at an Ottoman-Era Stone Residence, Gjirokastra, Albania.

Workshops at a shotgun house in southern Illinois and the Bartow Pell Mansion in New York are also planned for the summer. Workshop fees range from $425 to $2200 per person per week, depending on the location and topic. All workshops are open to anyone interested in acquiring preservation skills and experience or in contributing their time and effort to the project. Complete workshop details - including project leaders’ bios and workshop descriptions, dates, fees, and travel tips - are available on HCN”s website, www.heritageconservation.net, or from the HCN office at +1 303 444 0128.

Heritage Conservation Network is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of architectural heritage around the world. HCN produces an annual series of hands-on building conservation workshops in association with local preservation partners in order to further the sites’ preservation and provide an educational experience for participants.