Architects, contractors, and Historic Columbia Foundation staff will provide valuable insight on the rehabilitation work at the Woodrow Wilson Family Home. Participants will get hands-on training and exclusive site reviews illustrating the rehabilitation process as professional staff reviews terminology, tools, materials, best practices, and contact information for vendors who carry the materials needed for these projects.

Window Restoration –  July 18 - General contractor Huss, Inc. will be on site to discuss the problems and concerns with windows found in older homes.  Participants will learn how to recognize problems, analyze damage, and develop a plan on how to repair and maintain windows in an effort to sustain the integrity of an historic home.  

Family Day: Constructing the Past - July 18 - Children will participate in hands-on activities, play games and take a Hard Hat Tour of the Woodrow Wilson Family Home. They will also construct a sun-dried brick to take home as a souvenir.  Participants do not need to register for the Window Restoration workshop to attend this event. Pre-registration for Family Day is required. Parent attendance is not mandatory; recommended for children ages 9-13.

Mending Masonry - August 8 - Huss Inc. joins us with Dan Elswick, Senior Historic Architecture Consultant with the State Preservation Office, to address the challenges in working with historic masonry.  Participants will learn how to recognize failures caused by inappropriate modern mixes, while learning proper conservation, stabilization and restoration techniques.

Final Touches - August 29 – Architects John Milner Associates, Inc. (JMA) will review traditional paint composition and color as well as information about the influences of Andrew Jackson Downing in connection to the Wilson Family Home.  Further topics will include  paint failure, removal techniques, lead paint, caulking and hardware restoration practices and demonstrations.