Boulder, Colorado – February 20, 2006 The Francis Mill Preservation Society is inviting people to come to Waynesville, North Carolina, this June to help them in their efforts to restore the picturesque Francis Mill, which dates to 1887. For the third consecutive summer, the FMPS is collaborating with Heritage Conservation Network in organizing two consecutive, week-long hands-on building conservation workshops at the historic site, much like an old fashioned barn raising.

A good volunteer turnout and strong community support during the past summers’ workshops have made it possible for the two organizations to accomplish major preservation work at what is the last remaining grist mill in Haywood County in a very cost effective way. Volunteers have contributed hundreds of hours to the project, bringing the structure back from the brink of collapse and making it stronger and more structurally sound than it had been in decades. The value of those volunteer hours has been used to match grants from preservation organizations. The grants were used to purchase building materials and supplies and pay for a restoration expert to plan and lead the work.

This year’s workshops begin on June 18 and 25, 2006, respectively. The participants’ key task will be to finish miscellaneous structural repairs to the mill building. They will also tackle reconstruction of the flume to bring water to the mill, which is a major step toward the FMPS’ goal of returning the mill to working condition. The original flume collapsed under the load of heavy snow back in the 1980s after the mill ceased operating in 1976. The Society for the Preservation of Old Mills has once again awarded the project a cash grant to help pay for materials.

Volunteers interested in joining this innovative preservation project should register with Heritage Conservation Network. No experience is necessary to join the work. Workshop fees cover the cost of accommodation and lunch, which will be arranged by HCN; volunteers are responsible for providing their own transportation to the site. Complete workshop details and registration information are available from the HCN website, http://www.heritageconservation.net/ws-francis-mill-2006.htm, or by contacting HCN directly at 303 444 0128.

Heritage Conservation Network is a non-profit organization that actively works to preserve the world’s architectural heritage by organizing an annual series of hands-on building conservation workshops that provide technical assistance to preservation projects while providing an enjoyable educational experience for participants.