| HCN returns to Virginia City, Montana, to support the Montana Heritage Commission’s continuing efforts to restore the 19th century mining town. Virginia City sits high in the Rocky Mountains (elevation 5,882 feet / 1793 meters) at the site of a large gold strike made in Alder Gulch in 1863. Within a year the town grew to a population of 10,000, and it served as the Territorial Capital from 1865-1875. Today, with just 150 full time residents, the town remains an exceptional example of commercial and residential architecture from the late 1800s; adding to the uniqueness, many of the buildings contain original artifacts.
These buildings also contain a wealth of different finishes in various states; they are the focus of this year’s work. The 1865 Dr. Daemes residence, for example, features a high style  decorative wood grain treatment rare to northern Rockies mining camps. Fortunately, the building has several examples in pristine condition, and they will serve as the basis for reinstating similar decorative features elsewhere in the residence. The original architectural features and finishes of the Goldberg-McGovern Store and residence (ca. 1863) are all in need of conservation and encapsulation treatment. The Solomon Content Building ca. 1864 (Content’s Corner) is among the surviving original stone structures in Virginia City and scheduled for paint analysis in preparation for reinstating period color palette. Participants will work at a number of these buildings.
During this one-week hands-on workshop, participants will explore the properties and characteristics of historic interior and exterior finish materials, including lime-based coatings, paints, varnishes and decorative treatments.  Basic field analysis, encapsulation, exposure and documentation methodology will also be covered, utilizing several project sites located within the Virginia City National Historic Landmark District. Instruction on proper preparation and finishing techniques will provide opportunity for participants to engage various media and develop an understanding of materials and techniques. Work will be led by Jeff MacDonald, head of The Virginia City Institute for Preservation Research & Technology. No experience is necessary, and the workshop is a great opportunity to learn first-hand about this aspect of building conservation.
Instruction will take place from 8:30am-5pm, Monday through Friday, though participants should plan to arrive in Virginia City the day before. This workshop differs from other HCN workshops in that participants are responsible for their own lodging and meals. The workshop fee covers only workshop materials, instruction, and insurance. There are a number of bed and breakfast accommodations in and around Virginia City. A list of lodging options will be emailed upon request. Additional information is available from the Montana Heritage Commission, which owns Virginia City.
If arriving by air, the nearest major airport is in Bozeman. International participants can plan to fly via Denver International Airport. Participants may want to arrive early to settle in and tour Virginia City and become familiar with its intriguing history. A course agenda will be emailed following registration with supplemental information on the greater Virginia City area. Virginia City is less than 100 miles from Yellowstone National Park and a number of other natural and historic sites.
Summer in Montana brings daytime high temperatures from the upper 70s F (25 C) to the low 90s (32 C) and overnight lows in the 40s F (8 C). Due to the high altitude, temperatures cool off rapidly in the evening so bring attire suitable for the weather that will also be protective while working. Sturdy shoes, water bottles, insect repellant and sunscreen are recommended. Please be conscious that safety is an important issue at any work site.
If you need additional information, please contact us at workshops@heritageconservation.net or call +1 303-444-0128.
If you find the restoration effort in Virginia City intriguing but are unable to attend the workshop, you can still participate by supporting our conservation efforts with a tax-deductible donation to HCN.
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