HCN workshops help bricks and mortar preservation projects succeed while increasing the ability of people to care for the built environment. "We want each person attending a workshop to feel they have had a valuable hands-on learning experience while making a real contribution to a preservation project," said Ms. Broeker. This series of workshops in particular will offer the opportunity to learn a broad spectrum of building conservation skills while helping restore a very significant structure.

According to the Alabama Historical Commission, the Hudson Allen House is one of the most significant early houses in the Choccolocco Valley area of Alabama. Constructed in the late 1830s by Hudson Allen, a settler originally from Georgia, the 2-story, extended I-house features sophisticated interior Federal Period woodwork that may have been produced by Lev and Griffin Borders, known slave artisans from the area. The Allen House is one of approximately sixty known houses of its type remaining in the state.

The overall goal of the project is the full restoration of the fire-damaged structure, but the goal of this workshop is more modest. The August workshop will focus on the structural integrity of the roof truss system. Once any structural problems with the truss system have been addressed, roof framing and decking will be replaced as needed. The house's interior woodwork will also be assessed, offering participants the opportunity to learn wood consolidation skills and how to replicate decorative woodwork where necessary and conserve in place what is possible. Jeff Finch, a restoration expert from Franklin, NY, will be leading the workshop, teaching and guiding participants in their work.

The workshop is scheduled for August 4-10, 2002. Pre-registration is required. The cost of attending the workshop is $925, which includes lodging, most meals, insurance and workshop materials. For those not requiring lodging, the fee is $350, and members of the Choccolocco Heritage Society may register for $150, which covers lunches, insurance and workshop materials. Registration information can be obtained from the HCN web site at www.heritageconservation.net/workshops.htm, or from the HCN office by calling +1 303 444 0128.