The Eighth Annual Historic Preservation Field School will be conducted in Ste

The Eighth Annual Historic Preservation Field School will be conducted in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, from June 14 through July 8, 2004. The field school director, Dr. Bonnie Stepenoff, Professor of History at Southeast Missouri State University, will lead students in the exploration of various aspects of Missouri's French Colonial architecture and history, particularly as it relates to the preservation and management of historic properties.

Students will receive hands-on field experience in documentation and preservation of the built environment, ranging from funerary monumentation to Ste. Genevieve’s rare vertical log structures. Authentic 18th and early 19th century buildings in the Felix Valle State Historic Site will serve as learning laboratories. The goal of the Field School is to acquaint students with the broad array of skills and techniques affecting historic preservation issues and historic site management. Students will learn to gather and record architectural data, utilizing library and archival collections in researching history as tools for understanding historic structures. Technical sessions will provide an introduction to preservation tools such as historic paint analysis, architectural photography, and the use of remote sensing for examining subterranean archaeological features.

Students will be expected to participate fully in all activities, including documentation of a historic building, archaeological field work, classroom sessions, special lectures and tours of important historic houses and sites in Ste. Genevieve.

Housing for students not commuting may be arranged within the historic community. Three hours course credit may be earned at either the undergraduate or graduate level from Southeast Missouri State University. Limited scholarship support may be available.