PRESERVATION SERVICES

We provide technical support including condition assessments, National Register nominations, house histories, cultural resource surveys, and more to individuals, organizations, and municipal governments in our community.

ADVOCACY

We engage the community in speaking out about preservation and built-environment issues, from promoting the cultural, economic, and sustainability benefits of historic preservation to opposing projects and actions that threaten historic buildings.

WORKSHOPS

We offer a yearly series of hands-on workshops geared towards homeowners and building professionals. Past workshop topics include historic paint analysis, window repair, floorcloth painting, timberframing, introduction to hand tools, and traditional Japanese woodworking. See our Events listings for upcoming workshops.

LIBRARY

Our Library of the Built Environment is open to the public Tuesday-Saturday, with over 500 book titles plus periodicals, maps, photographs and slides, and files on individual properties throughout Tompkins County.

PRESERVATION BASICS SERIES

The Preservation Basics Series is a yearly series of hourlong classes geared toward building owners. Topics include: identifying architectural styles, researching building histories, maintaining older buildings, and the evolution of kitchen design and technology since the 1700s. See our Events listings for upcoming classes.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Special Events throughout the year include walking and driving tours, lectures, our annual Fall Fundraiser, our annual That Old House Tour and our annual Halloween Graveyard Tour. See our Events listings for upcoming events.

SIGNIFICANT ELEMENTS

Significant Elements is our architectural salvage retail store, open to the public Tuesday-Saturday in Ithaca’s Southside neighborhood. We carry quality house parts, antique plumbing lighting and hardware, restoration supplies, and vintage furnishings.

WORK PRESERVE JOB TRAINING PROGRAM

At Significant Elements, we provide hands-on job training in retail and customer service, restoration/repair, and remanufacture to low-income youth and adults. This program is funded by Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency and the Park Foundation.