NKyTribune staff
Northern Kentucky Restoration Weekend received the Preservation Kentucky-Edith S. Bingham Award for their collaborative education training, demonstrations and materials provided free to the public to address specific needs the techniques for historic property owners in Northern Kentucky.
Preservation Kentucky made its 2019 Excellence in Preservation Awards recently at the historic home of preservationist and philanthropist Christy Brown in Louisville.
The award is designated for preservation educators, projects or programs that have demonstrated excellence in traditional or nontraditional educational arenas.
Northern Kentucky Restoration Weekend started over a cup of coffee as an idea to promote small businesses and historic preservation. It began in 2011 as the area’s first Old House Fair.
In 2012, it was expanded to a two-day event and on a shoestring budget and in the midst of a tornado, it attracted more than 250 people. Dubbed “the little event that could,” folks from all over the region turned out to learn from specialists and experts about topics unique to historic building owners.
With its instant popularity and rave reviews, organizers decided in 2013 to make it an annual event and it has grown in need and popularity ever since. The impact has been tremendous in large part because it fills a void in educational efforts not covered by traditional conferences.
Northern Kentucky Restoration Weekend also underscores one of the core tenets of historic preservation—preservation through partnerships. Organizers include the three Certified Local Governments of Bellevue, Covington and Newport, in collaboration with nonprofit organizations, preservation tradespeople, local businesses and engaged citizens.
The result is a highly anticipated annual event free to the public led by a variety of preservation professionals and contractors to teach best practices and stewardship of historic properties.
Topics included everything from historic preservation finance to the repair of plaster and chimneys. A vendors fair showcases preservation materials and contractors, and allows participants the opportunity to gather information between sessions.
Organizers recently added a track of professional training for planners, architects and other preservation-related professionals with sessions accredited by the American Institute of Architects and American Institute of Certified Planners for attendees to earn continuing education credits.
The guiding principles of the event celebrate the area’s wonderful historic architecture and those who have made a committed investment to care for Northern Kentucky’s historic buildings—property owners, developers, contractors, suppliers, architectural consultants, homeowners and preservationists. And we’re delight to celebrate the organizers whose efforts are serving an important role for preservationists all over the state.
“The awards are important because they demonstrate why our heritage is so valuable and the positive economic and social impact historic buildings provide our communities,” said Preservation Kentucky Executive Director Betsy Hatfield. “There is a direct link between historic preservation and healthy communities.”
Preservation Kentucky is a statewide membership-based, public charity nonprofit that facilitates the sustainability of Kentucky’s historic buildings, rural landscapes and archaeological sites through advocacy and education.
Its mission is to preserve Kentucky’s heritage and foster the benefits of historic sites that define its communities, contribute to our economy and represent our cultural legacy.
Established in 2012 to honor Kentuckians making exceptional contributions to the preservation of the Commonwealth’s rich heritage, the annual awards feature projects from urban and rural communities around the state and underscore the economic and social benefits of historic preservation.
“Historic buildings are how we identify with our communities, and our attachment to our communities is an important indicator of how economically successful our communities will be,” said Hatfield. “Historic preservation is good for business, our economy and our quality of life.”