Ooltewah, Tennessee – September 12, 2006 Heritage Conservation Network and the Tennessee Preservation Trust are coordinating a two-week, last-ditch effort to provide emergency stabilization work at the James Brown House in Ooltewah, Tennessee. The house, located along the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail, is facing imminent collapse. Volunteers are needed to work at the site for up to two weeks beginning October 30, 2006. Conservation experts will lead the work. The goal is to stabilize the walls and roof of the circa 1836 brick masonry building to ensure it survives the winter.

If action is not taken soon, this nationally significant historic resource will be lost forever, according to Judith Broeker, HCN's Program Director. HCN is working with the Tennessee Preservation Trust, the landowner, the National Park Service, and the Trail of Tears Association, to save the building. HCN is leading a coordinated effort of volunteers, fund raising and publicity to bring much needed assistance to the site. The value of volunteer labor will be used to match grants for materials and supplies. HCN's approach has proven a very cost effective means of historic preservation. However, it depends on a good volunteer turnout. Anyone interested in helping build a future for the past is encouraged to join in. No experience working with historic structures is necessary, just enthusiasm and a willingness to work hard.

The house and farm are significant for their association with James Brown, a Cherokee leader who was removed from this farm and led one of the detachments of Cherokee forcibly removed by the US government on the Trail of Tears in 1838. It also illustrates the blending of numerous cultural influences that occurred in the American frontier experience as Scots, Cherokees, African Americans and other settlers came together.

If you are able to join this extraordinary effort – for a week or even a day – please contact Heritage Conservation Network at 303 444 0128 or see www.heritageconservation.net/ws-james-brown-house.htm.

Heritage Conservation Network is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of architectural heritage around the world. HCN produces an annual series of hands-on building conservation workshops in association with local preservation partners in order to further the sites' preservation and provide an educational experience for participants.