Roger Williams University to Offer Masters in Historic Preservation Starting this Fall
Graduate degree will build on the legacy of the nation’s oldest undergraduate program in historic preservation
________________
In an effort to meet increasing regional demand for professionals to preserve historic buildings, communities and infrastructure, Roger Williams University, in Bristol, Rhode Island, will offer a masters of science in historic preservation beginning this September. The M.S. builds on the reputation and rigor of the nation’s oldest undergraduate program, which will continue to offer a B.S. in historic preservation.
The masters program is founded on the principle that in-depth expertise in the preservation field must be coupled with skills in design, planning, leadership and administrative management for professionals in historic preservation to be most engaged and effective. This multi-disciplinary, process-based approach helps practitioners to advance their careers, and the greater cause, in partnership with other professionals and stakeholders.

Workshops, labs, internships and seminars provide an opportunity to work on projects in partnership with regional, national and international organizations and firms. Students and faculty work closely with other University graduate programs including architecture, construction management, public administration and leadership.

Preservation-specific coursework addresses preservation history and philosophy, documentation, research, architectural conservation, community planning, law and regulation, design, economics and management.

The University offers two paths for the M.S. degree. For those who have completed an undergraduate degree in historic preservation, a one-year, 32-credit program is available beginning fall 2010. Starting in fall 2011, a full-time, two-year, 52-credit program will also be available to qualified students holding a bachelors degree in an unrelated field. Part-time participation in both programs is available now.

For additional information, please contact program coordinator Philip Marshall at pmarshall@rwu.edu or (401) 254-3061. For information on how to apply, visit www.programs.rwu.edu/grad/

The art of saving a city

By David Filipov| Boston Globe| July 24, 2010

Pittsfield — City of art, city of funk. The SoHo of the Berkshires, the Brooklyn of the Berkshires.

The sobriquets urban planners bestow upon this bygone manufacturing hub speak of their confidence that Pittsfield can become a center of culture and entertainment on par with Lenox and Stockbridge and Williamstown.

Once-vacant buildings in downtown Pittsfield are filling with galleries, and restaurants. North Street, the city’s long depressed main drag, now hosts regular street festivals, open houses and art shows that draw thousands of residents and visitors. …

For the full article, click here.

Great update on the Westfield Whip Manufacturing Company, a resource Circuit Rider Michele Barker has been working on since last summer.

Westfield to Fund Museum Study

By Ted LaBorde | The Springfield Republican | Online | May. 05, 2010

WESTFIELD – The city plans to use some of its Community Preservation Act funding to help preserve the last remaining whip factory here.

Carol A. Martin, owner of Westfield Whip Manufacturing Co., has been successful in gaining $70,000 from that account to help finance a feasibility study that will determine the merits of preserving the 360 Elm St. building as a living museum.

The City Council gave initial approval to the proposal last month and is scheduled to finalize the award when it meets Thursday night.

For the full article, click here.

To read Michele Barker’s E-newsletter article click here.