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June 24, 2009
What began as a day of demonstrations in historic preservation trades last fall is quickly maturing into a family of programs that are unique to Edgecombe Community College. Beginning in the spring 2010 semester, the college will offer a two-year associate degree and one-year diploma in Historic Preservation Technology. These offerings are in addition to the certificate in Historic Preservation Trades, which has been in place since fall 2008. No other community college in the state offers a training program in preservation-related building trades. “Our historic preservation program has been very well received by the public and the preservation industry,” says ECC President Dr. Deborah Lamm. “Preservation has great potential for bringing new, high quality jobs to eastern North Carolina.” The program is a response to needs of the area, she explains. In January 2008, the college created a Historic Preservation Trades Advisory Board that included officials from the N.C. Division of Archives and History, Preservation N.C., a retired city planner, and local business leaders who are experts in historic preservation. Their initial meetings led to the development of the first Historic Preservation Trades School in September 2008. Held at Coolmore Plantation in Tarboro, the daylong event featured demonstrations by preservation specialists in masonry, window restoration, roofing, and plaster repair. It was a whopping success: More than 70 individuals from across the state participated. The Trades School was a precursor to the college’s continuing education certificate program in Historic Preservation Trades, which began in October. Six continuing education courses are required to complete the program. These courses meet on weekends for the convenience of working professionals. Two classes were held in fall 2008, two in spring 2009, and several this summer. Once again, participation has been brisk. According to Monika Fleming, program coordinator, enrollment in each of the classes has ranged from about 25 to 45 participants. Most live in historic homes, but others are working on special renovation projects, such as Bath High School. Several students have traveled from other states, including South Carolina and Virginia. Holding classes over two weekends facilitates the participation of out-of-town students. Top-notch faculty also are a draw. “Our classes are led by experts in their fields, the best of the best,” Fleming says. Instructors have included Jack Peet, master mason at Williamsburg and a third-generation brick mason, and David Hoggard, who owns and operates Double Hung Window Restoration in Greensboro. The instructors are just as excited about the program as the students. “There’s a huge need for this information, and it’s absolutely fantastic that it’s becoming accessible in this area,” says Laura Blokker, who instructed a course in masonry. Two new programs under way A proposal to add degree and diploma programs in Historic Preservation Technology is currently under review by the N.C. Community College System; the process is standard for all new curriculum programs. ECC officials expect the programs to be approved. Even though they likely will not be officially added to the roster until spring 2010, students may begin taking courses toward these programs this fall. The degree program requires 76 hours of curriculum course work, and the diploma requires 36 curriculum hours. Classes include architectural drafting, principles of historic preservation, building structure analysis, fundamentals of carpentry, historic construction methods, masonry, painting and finishing, and preservation planning. Several green courses are included in the curriculum, including sustainable building design. The historic preservation program was strengthened in January of this year by a $55,000 grant from the Golden LEAF Foundation. The grant will help fund the second annual Preservation Trades School on September 26 and support instructional costs for the preservation trades classes for the academic year. Plans include using the Norfleet House as the college’s new Community Heritage Center. Golden LEAF funds will be used to purchase library resources and provide the tools and supplies associated with the renovation of the center. “The Foundation is pleased to support a community-driven project that is projected to enhance the employability of those working in the renovation and construction trades,” says Dan Gerlach, Golden LEAF president. The program has received media attention as well. Our State magazine will feature the college’s historic preservation programs in its September 2009 issue. “In a few years, we hope that our program will be regionally known and that preservation contractors will be calling us looking for skilled workers,” Fleming adds.
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