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The possibilities for using historic preservation to support sustainable economic development in Armenia are great; and the challenges are many. AiP has been working with our partners in Armenia for several years to develop a long-term skills training and adaptive re-use program. We have once again encountered roadblocks, but will continue to work with our partners to get the program underway as soon as possible.
Immerse yourself in one of the oldest cultures on earth while you learn skills to save a piece of its valuable architecture heritage. Damaged by a massive earthquake in 1988, AiP's volunteer project is this stone building's last hope for restoration and a new life as a museum and small enterprise incubator.
Working with Dave Woodham and other professionals from Atkinson-Noland, you'll be repairing a c.1890 neoclassical residence in the heart of Gyumri's Kumayri Historic District. The hands-on training and restoration at this masonry residence will serve as a valuable teaching lab for the community, showing them it's possible to repair and restore their own homes.
By joing this volunteer historic preservation project, you will be helping to save one of the most significant houses in the Kumayri Historic District. In doing so, you will also help:
- Create a mixed use facility that houses a cultural museum, small enterprise office space and a housing unit
- Inspire neighbors to preserve their own homes
- Develop a heritage conservation field school for Armenian and international students that uses the building as a teaching lab
- Bring a new sense of vibrancy to the Kumayri Historic District by attracting tourists and tourism-related businesses.
During your week with AiP, you will:
- Know that you've helped preserve one of the oldest and riches cultures on earth
- Explore the historic district and lose yourself in the back streets of Gyumri
- Go to sleep tired and happy, thrilled with the work you've accomplished
- Delight your senses with the variety of cuisines that can be sampled in a single location
- Improve your social networking without a laptop!
While in Gyumri, volunteers will stay at the Berlin Art Hotel. In Yerevan, you'll stay at the State University Guest House.
Breakfasts will be served at our hotel. Lunches and dinners will be at a variety of restaurants so you can experience the culinary delights of the Caucasus.
This volunteer vacation features walking tours of downtown Yerevan and of the Kumayri Historic District. Evening sightseeing includes the Black Fort and events such as the Puppet Theater play, with a backstage tour. We'll also take a full-day field trip to the countryside, visiting Getap, Goshavank, Dilijan, Lake Sevan and more.
If you have additional questions or would like to discuss this project with AiP staff, please contact us at workshops@adventuresinpreservation.org or call +1 303-444-0128.
