Attend the Architectural History and Restoration Field School at Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest
June 2-15, 2019 |
FOREST, VA: The octagonal villa at Poplar Forest is considered by many architectural historians to be Thomas Jefferson’s most mature and personal work of architecture. Jefferson supervised the construction of his retreat home from the White House via letters to the workers, which—200 years later—provided the tools for an exactingly accurate restoration. Over the course of 30 years, visitors to Poplar Forest have seen the Jeffersonian villa re-emerge through a construction process that not only follows his historical sequence but also uses the same materials and building techniques. This summer, a select group of individuals will explore the ins and outs of museum-caliber architectural restoration at the 2019 Architectural History and Restoration Field School from Sunday, June 2 – Saturday, June 15. Applications are due to Poplar Forest by Monday, April 8.
The focus of the intensive 14-day program is on the process of planning and implementing a museum-quality restoration project, as demonstrated by the award-winning restoration of Jefferson’s villa at Poplar Forest. Participants will be exposed to the complexity of details and issues found in the architectural restoration of historic properties and to the multi-disciplinary approach used on this model project; receive hands-on training where possible; and gain a broader perspective on conservation and restoration through select field trips. Program components also include the history of Poplar Forest and Thomas Jefferson, architectural investigation, restoration construction, historic materials, historical archaeology and historical interpretation.
Travis McDonald, the Director of Architectural Restoration at Poplar Forest, directs the Architectural History and Restoration Summer Field School program. McDonald has overseen the restoration of Jefferson’s villa since it began in 1990. Through the years, the restoration has won many accolades including the Honor Award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation and, through McDonald’s efforts, a tentative inclusion with Monticello and the University of Virginia on the World Heritage list.
The course is open to undergraduate and graduate students, historians, architects, architectural historians, craftsmen, contractors and others with a demonstrated interest in the restoration process. Class size is limited, with a maximum of 12 participants.
The deadline for submitting applications to the 2019 Architectural History and Restoration Field School is Monday, April 8. For more information about the program, tuition, special needs and housing options, or to submit an application visit the field school webpage or contact Travis McDonald at 434.534.8123 or travis@poplarforest.org.
|
Website:
www.poplarforest.org |
| |
| Location Information |
|
Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest |
|
Forest, VA |
| |
| Contact Information |
| Email:
travis@poplarforest.org |
|