Boulder, Colorado, 24 March 2004 – Heritage Conservation Network, in association with the Francis Mill Preservation Society, will be holding two back-to-back building conservation workshops at the Francis Mill in Waynesville, NC from July 11-17 and July 18-24, 2004. The workshops offer participants the opportunity to learn about traditional post and beam construction while providing a workforce for the restoration of the mill.

Each workshop session consists of five full days of demonstration, guidance and practice under the tutelage of Jeff Finch, a restoration specialist based in Franklin, NY. The organizations expect to attract conservation students and professionals as well as mill enthusiasts, but also hope to draw members of the community interested in restoring the mill. The Francis Mill was built in 1887, was in use until 1976, and is now the last remaining grist mill in Haywood County. One anticipated outcome of the workshops is a trained, committed core of volunteers who will be able to continue working on the structure. Additional workshops are also planned at the site, with the goal of returning it to working condition.

Pre-registration is required. The cost of each session is $875, including lodging, or $350 for participants not requiring lodging. All fees cover insurance, lunches and project materials. Registration forms can be obtained from the Heritage Conservation Network website: www.heritageconservation.net/ws-francis-mill.htm or directly from HCN, 1557 North Street, Boulder, Colorado, 80304, +1 303 444 0128, fax: +1 775 320 6837, or email workshops@heritageconservation.net.