Galveston Historical Foundation Adds Lectures on Historic Architecture to Annual Spring Series of Demonstration Classes

Galveston Historical Foundation (GHF)'s popular and informative spring class series starts Saturday, March 29 with a class entitled "Historic Paint: Color Trends and Lead-Based Paint Safety." The series of five presentations, held on Saturday mornings, combines practical tips with informed discussions of some of the architectural styles that are represented in Galveston.

"Education has always been an important part of our mission at GHF," said Brian Davis, director of preservation services at the foundation, "and we are determined to expand and strengthen our offerings in that area. We have provided demonstration classes in the spring for more than 10 years. Last year we began a second series in the fall, and we're adding a broader range of topics of interest to history buffs as well as homeowners. Our goal of historic preservation can only be advanced by fostering a deeper understanding of Galveston's rich and diverse stock of historic buildings."

Presentations will take place on Saturdays, starting at 9 a.m., usually lasting 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. A link to the list of classes and a reservation form can be found at www.galvestonhistory.org.

The topics this spring will be as follows:

Saturday, March 29: "Historic Paint: Color Trends and Lead-Based Paint Safety," at 9 a.m. on the second floor of the Salvage Warehouse. Source, Inc. paint conservator and analyst Jhonny Langer will discuss historic color trends in paint and demonstrate how to perform a paint analysis on your building. He will also talk about lead-based paint hazards (an issue of increasing concern in Galveston) and proper safety practices when working around older houses.

Saturday, April 5: "Victorian Architecture 101." 9 a.m. at the Bishop's Palace, 14th Street and Broadway. Architect Scott Field will discuss the defining features of Victorian architecture and show how the various design elements were used to create unique plans and elevations. Following his talk, Scott will lead a special tour of Bishop's Palace to highlight the craftsmanship of this masterpiece of high Victorian architecture. Seating is limited; reservations are strongly encouraged.

Saturday, April 12: "The Bungalow Style," 9 a.m. on the second floor of the Salvage Warehouse. Local artist and craftsman Sam Steph will explore the origins and variations of Bungalow style, one of the most popular architectural forms in the Kempner Park, Lasker Park and San Jacinto neighborhoods. Steph will discuss the role of this architectural style in the movement towards smaller, more manageable houses in the early 20th century.

Saturday, April 19: "Mid-Century Historic," 9 a.m. on the second floor of the Salvage Warehouse. Presenter Anna Mod, Cultural Resources Specialist with SWCA Environmental Consultants, will discuss the architectural style known as Mid-Century Modern. Buildings designed in this style are now turning 50 years old and thus qualify as "historic." They are beginning to attract recognition and preservation efforts as much as houses from earlier eras. Mod will talk about design influences and elements from the 1940s through 1960s and their presence in the Houston/Galveston region.

Saturday, April 26: "Weatherizing Your Historic Home," at 9 a.m. on the second floor of the Sealy Garage (GHF's Salvage Warehouse), 908 23rd Street. The presenter will be Cary Weaver of NewPoint Energy Solutions, who will give tips and techniques on lowering utility bills and explain why replacing wood windows may not always be the best choice. He will discuss a program for home energy audits and suggest how people who live in historic buildings can make them more energy-efficient.

With questions about any of the classes, or to make reservations, contact Matt Farragher, Project Coordinator, Preservation Services, at 409-765-7834.