Baxendale Schoolhouse Workshops
Hands-on preservation trades learning opportunities with Preserve Montana’s restoration crew. Learn the art and craft of preserving and maintaining historic buildings and structures.
Historic Preservation Principles
June 2 & 3, 2026 | 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Baxendale Schoolhouse Preservation Center, Helena
What You'll Learn
Join Preserve Montana for a two-day, hands-on workshop designed to introduce the core principles that guide responsible historic preservation. Limited to just 10 participants, this small-group format allows for deeper discussion and practical learning.
This course explores the essential concepts that inform preservation decision-making in the field, including historic significance, integrity, character-defining features and the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines. Participants will also gain an overview of the broader context of U.S. preservation law and policy.
If you work with historic structures—or want to—this workshop offers knowledge that will guide every project you take on.
Instructor
Katherine Wonson, Principal, Old School Heritage Solutions
Course Audience & Additional Details
Whether you’re a carpenter, electrician, HVAC technician or preservation professional, this workshop provides the foundation needed to make informed decisions when working on historic buildings. Understanding these principles helps ensure that repairs and upgrades respect historic materials and align with national preservation standards.
Participants will receive a Preserve Montana notebook and pencil, workbook, handouts and historic resource documentation for practicum.
Participants are responsible for bringing a sack lunch.
Registration
Registration is $425 for Preserve Montana members and $500 for non-members.
Scholarships available to staff and volunteer leaders of Montana nonprofit preservation organizations, Main Street communities, Certified Local Governments and Tribal Historic Preservation Offices who are active Preserve Montana members. For more details email info@preservemontana.org.
Funding from the Lewis & Clark County Heritage Tourism and Development Council is providing reduced registration fees.
Thank You to the Heritage Tourism and Development Council of Lewis & Clark County for their generous sponsorship!
