Historic Trades

Preservation & Historic Trades

Workers skilled in the rehabilitation of older buildings are in short supply across the nation. The labor shortage is especially acute in the specialized trades that are often needed for historic preservation projects, such as window restoration, plaster repair, and finish carpentry. In addition, the average age of workers skilled in the preservation trades is rising. As these specialists approach retirement, it will be critical to find ways to share their expertise and build a new cadre of preservation trades workers. A more robust and accessible system is needed to help people enter the preservation trades, find employers who need their skills, and receive ongoing training to advance their careers and earning potential. Explore this page to find more resources and connect the dots of important work across the nation.

HOPE Crew

The National Trust's Hands-On Preservation Experience program empowers a new generation of preservationists.

HOPE Crew Learning Lab

Historic Window Maintenance

The first in a series of virtual learning opportunities showcasing a high-level skill of the preservation trades with a variety of trades experts. This first  HOPE Crew Learning Lab features, Ariana Makau of Nzilani Glass Conservation who walks viewers through safety tips, necessary tools, removing old hardware and backbed, and glazing.


Sponsored by the TAWANI Foundation and Kinsman Foundation.

Learning Lab and Additional Resources

Additional Window Resources

Have a resource for this page? Email us a link and a short description for consideration. 

Preservation Priorities Task Force

Preservation Trades and Workforce Development

A group of preservation advocates from across the country have come together to develop a new series of publications on key issues facing the preservation movement. Released today and available online, the “Issue Briefs” address four significant, interrelated issues, one of which is Preservation Trades and Workforce Development. 

Additional Content

Organizations

There are a number of organizations all over the country working in Preservation Trades. Some are listed on the Preservation Priorities Task Force website above, while others work to support the field in specific ways. Below are a few of those organizations so you can learn more. 

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