FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 23, 2010
CONTACT: Molly Dannenmaier
Director of Marketing and Public Relations,
409-765-7834
molly.dannenmaier@galvestonhistory.org

GHF Announces Saturday “How-To” Class Series for Spring

Galveston Historical Foundation’s popular and informative spring class series starts Saturday, March 6, with “Sustainability and Historic Preservation: LEED Standards Applied to Your Historic Building.” Matthew Pelz, GHF’s Green Revival Project Coordinator, will explain the ways the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system and sustainable technologies can be incorporated into historic buildings.

For a press-ready, downloadable version, please double-click on the photograph.

“Education has always been an important part of our mission at GHF,” said Brian Davis, director of Preservation and Conservation Services, “and we continue to expand and strengthen our Saturday demonstration/presentation classes for the community. This year, our “Green Revival” theme will figure prominently in the Saturday classes.”

Presentations will take place on Saturday mornings at 9 a.m., and will usually last two hours. Seating may be limited, so reservations are suggested. Admission to the entire series is $45 for GHF members and $55 for non-members; Admission to individual classes is $10 for GHF members and $12 for non-members. All classes will be held at the GHF Architectural Salvage Warehouse at the Sealy Garage, second floor, 908 23rd Street. A downloadable registration form is available online at www.galvestonhistory.org. Or call GHF Preservation Resource Center Coordinator Matt Farragher at 409-765-3424 to register.

GHF Spring Classes 2010

March 6: Sustainability and Historic Preservation: LEED Standards Applied to Your Historic Building

Presented by GHF’s Matthew Pelz

“The greenest building is one that is already built” is a popular statement among preservationists when discussing sustainability and being GREEN, but it is absolutely true. The U.S. Green Building Council developed the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system as a way to evaluate how sustainable a building is. This class will explain the ways this rating system and sustainable technologies can be incorporated into historic buildings.

March 20: Masonry Maintenance: How to Clean, Protect, and Maintain your Historic Brick and Stone.

Presented by Jonathan Zumeta of Brick Restoration Inc.

Historic property owners face a number of masonry issues including general maintenance, tuck pointing, brick replacement, loose stones, and cleaning. If done incorrectly, a minor repair can later become costly as it can affect the rest of the surrounding brick or stone. Jonathan Zumeta, of Brick Restoration Inc., will show the class ways to properly care for their masonry and avoid any costly errors.

April 10: Landscaping for the Historic Galveston Climate

Presented by Galveston landscape designer Matt Hannon

Due to our temperate climate and ample sunlight Galveston has fostered ample gardens dating back to the earliest houses on the Island. Matt Hannon will discuss the types of plants that would have been in these early gardens, what plants should or should not be planted in our climate, and information on sustainable plants that do not require heavy watering and maintenance. Join us for an interesting discussion and get ready for gardening season.

April 17: Do’s and Don’ts of Air Conditioning and Heating in Historic Buildings

Presented by Standard Renewable Energy’s Kevin Stewart

Historic building owners have many decisions to make when installing air conditioning and heating systems, especially if the property has never had these systems. This class will discuss the many options available when bringing these modern amenities into a historic building. Join us to learn how to be sensitive to the building, avoid problems, and hopefully also save money on these utilities.

April 24: Hands-On Weatherizing Windows and Doors

Presented by GHF’s Matt Farragher and Matthew Pelz

Hoping to save money on utility bills in your historic building? Join us to learn cost effective weatherizing strategies to help you save money and also preserve the historic fabric of your building. Instructors will use building materials from GHF’s Architectural Salvage Warehouse as learning tools to show you exactly what can be done in a series of demonstrations showing techniques for weather-stripping, repairing wood windows, and decreasing costly energy leaks.

For more information about Galveston Historical Foundation, go to www.galvestonhistory.org or call Matt Farragher at 409-765-3424.

For a printable registration form that can be faxed, scanned, or mailed back to GHF, click here.