For Immediate Release
August 1, 2011

Contact:
Jim Igoe or Erin Kelly, 617-723-3383
Michele P. Barker, 617-999-3256

Preservation Massachusetts to hold “Ask the Expert” day in Springfield
August 11th session at Springfield College to feature guidance and resources for historic properties and landscapes damaged by tornadoes.

Boston – Preservation Massachusetts announces plans to hold an “Ask the Expert” day on Thursday, August 11 at the Judd Gymnasium at Springfield College. The purpose of the event is to bring guidance and resources for the repair and rehabilitation of historic resources damaged by the tornadoes of June 1. The event will run from 3-7 pm and open to the public from Springfield and surrounding communities.

Since the storms hit, Preservation Massachusetts issued a call for volunteers to assist the affected communities in the aftermath. The call was answered by nearly 100 professionals and others wanting to help.

The “Ask the Expert” day will feature a number of professionals with expertise in a variety of areas, like architecture and construction that can be of guidance to owners and stewards of historic properties. Other information, such as resource guides will also be available, along with staff from Preservation Massachusetts and other organizations.

Preservation Massachusetts has been working with local partners, like the Springfield Preservation Trust, to identify ways in which to be of active support and assistance to cities and towns that sustained damage to historic properties and landscapes during the tornadoes. Through on the ground efforts of Preservation Massachusetts staff and organizational collaboration with a number state and local agencies, this “Ask the Expert” day concept was identified as a key way to get important information to property owners and those concerned about restoring tornado damage. A similar event is also being planned for nearby Monson.

About Preservation Massachusetts:
Founded in 1985, Preservation Massachusetts is the statewide non-profit organization that actively promotes the preservation of historic buildings and landscapes as a positive force for economic development and the retention of community character. Preservation Massachusetts leads the way for the Commonwealth through legislative initiatives, reaching out across the State, educating our partners, building partnerships, networking, and events.

Contact PM staff for more information on the Ask the Expert Day.

Directions to the Judd Gymnasium at Springfield College are available at www.spfld.edu/home.nsf/welcome/visit/directionsc . (This page also has a link to a campus map, and the Judd/Sitzer YMCA building is on the corner of Alden and Wilbraham Streets, number 26 on the campus map)

Preservation Massachusetts’ 2011 Most Endangered Historic Resources Program
Special Edition: Tornado Damaged Communities of Western Massachusetts

2011 Most Endangered Nomination Form

The Most Endangered Historic Resources List for 2011 will be a Special Edition focusing only on the communities of Western Massachusetts hit by the damaging June 1st tornadoes and storms. For this reason Preservation Massachusetts will only accept nominations from the Western Massachusetts areas negatively affected by the storms:

Agawam, Brimfield, Monson, Springfield, Southbridge, Sturbridge, Westfield, West Springfield, and Wilbraham.

PM feels strongly that in order to continue our commitment to the needs of the western Massachusetts constituency, it is imperative to keep the spotlight on the areas devastated by this spring’s natural disaster. PM’s Most Endangered Historic Resources List will be an opportunity for continued advocacy and education about preservation in these communities as they begin to rebuild and restore.

This year’s form has been modified for ease of use and time efficiency. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Courtney Whelan via email at cwhelan@preservationmass.org or in the office at 617-723-3383.

Please download the nomination form and have an electronic and physical copy to Preservation Massachusetts by close of business Friday, August 5th.

Should you need a nomination form printed and mailed to you please contact PM’s office.

Preservation Massachusetts
Old City Hall
45 School Street
Boston, MA 02108
Re: MER 2011

617-723-3383
cwhelan@preservationmass.org

The June tornadoes that devastated communities in Western Massachusetts and the ensuing preservation efforts were highlighted in a recent edition of Preservation Online from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Check out the online article today!

MEMA APPLICANTS INFO for Historical Commissions, Historical Societies, libraries, museums, and other non-profit organizations dedicated to preserving historic structures*

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) will conduct an Applicant Briefing on Wednesday, June 29, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at the MEMA Region Office, 1002 Suffield Street, Agawam, MA 01001. This briefing will explain the reimbursement process for receiving federal funds for eligible expenses incurred by municipalities and certain non-profit organizations as a result of the severe storms and tornadoes. This briefing will explain, in detail, the reimbursement process and the documentation necessary to receive funds. The meeting will explain how to complete Request for Assistance forms.
FEMA Public Assistance Program funding might be available to communities and certain non-profits for emergency work, including debris removal and emergency protective measures, as well as the repair or replacement of tornado-damaged facilities.

This will be the only Public Assistance Program applicant briefing, so please send a representative, if at all possible. This is an important opportunity to get your questions answered. It is essential that representatives of Historical Commissions, Historical Societies, libraries, museums, and other non-profit organizations dedicated to preserving historic structures keep in close touch with your town officials and FEMA and MEMA staff throughout the disaster recovery process. Your input will be critical in making sure that your community’s historic sites and structures get the proper attention and repairs. Please feel free to forward this notice to other non-profit organizations or municipal departments in your community. Organizations have 30 days from the date the federal disaster declaration was made (June 15) to apply for assistance.
Further information about the FEMA Public Assistance Program is available on-line here: http://www.fema.gov/government/grant/pa/index.shtm
If you have any questions regarding these briefings, please contact Lorraine Eddy at (617) 347-0001 or lorraine.eddy@state.ma.us.

MEMA APPLICANT INFO FOR HOMEOWNERS, BUSINESSES, AND OTHER PRIVATE PROPERTY OWNERS
*NOTE – These meetings will NOT discuss the Individual Assistance Program, which assists homeowners, businesses, and other private property owners. Property owners in those categories should register with FEMA online at disasterassistance.gov , by telephone at (800) 621-3362, or in person at one of the Disaster Recovery Centers. Further information is available online at http://www.fema.gov/assistance/index.shtm.

We have compiled a list of agencies and organizations‘ contact information which have info regarding natural disasters.

Preservation Massachusetts would like to assist homeowners in finding information for the planning and project phases of construction after a natural disaster.
Please contact our office with any questions at 617-723-3383.

PM has compiled helpful informational resources to assist property owners with their daunting challenges of rebuilding after the June 1st storms in the western Massachusetts areas. The restoration project of an historic home presents unique challenges which need to be met by unique professionals.

How do I begin my construction project?
Start by having a plan and asking the right questions. This can be an overwhelming process. Take a look at our WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD I ASK MY CONTRACTOR FOR MY HISTORIC HOME resource. This resource addresses the importance of an appropriate professional, the questions which should be asked and the information the professional should provide.

Where do you begin to look for preservation professionals?
Check out our Consultants Directory for preservation professionals.
We have complied preservation directories which have professionals listed who have experience working on historic properties. As always, Preservation Massachusetts cannot endorse or guarantee the skill set or work of these professionals; rather we are meaning only to serve as a conduit to these directories. This compilation is to serve as a starting point for your search for professionals to complete work on your property. It is up to the home owner to do their homework. (See our Contractor Resource).

Where can I find informational resources for my historic home?
If you are looking for a list of professionals, Secretary of Interior Standards, online disaster resources, and funding sources we have an informational resources sheet on these issues.

Where do I find information on fixing historic wood windows?
The National Trust for Historic Preservation has a great tip sheet on repairing historic wood windows.