2026 Schedule & Registration

Online Pre-Registration is closed!

Please register in-person at the event.

8:15 to 9 AM

  • Registration

    Sign in and get your program. Stop by the cafeteria for conversation with attendees and enjoy a snack and coffee.

9 to 10 AM

  • Don't Trash That Old Sash

    Phil Polter

    Discussion focusing on why old windows ARE WORTH SAVING, functionality, and common problems that homeowners can address with a little time and education.

  • Plaster Repair

    John McEwan

    As we all know, maintaining and repairing the plaster in our historic homes can be a challenge. Come learn how to deal with fixing basic plaster issues such as mending cracks and restoring damaged plaster in your historic home.

  • Wrought Iron Fences

    Bill Morgan

    touch on maintenance and repair. Discuss the history of Stewart and share some interesting drawings and designs.



  • Historic Roofs

    Eric Hempleman

    We have been charged with a great task; preserve the statuesque architecture in this beautiful and historic city. Every year we lose a few historic roofs that we can never get back. Poor salesman tactics, a genuine misunderstanding of the roof types, and reckless contractors can lead to these roofs being thrown into the dump. We can stop this trend through education on these systems. Slate and tile roofs have stood the test of time and can be maintained to last centuries. These roofs are not just for charm but for cost efficiency in the long run as well. Join us as we discuss the different types of historic roofs in our area, how to maintain them, and what to watch for when selecting a contractor. We will explore special tools, slate and tile types, and everything you need to know about preserving these roofs for the next generation.

  • Building a More Inclusive Preservation Future: Greater Cincinnati’s Black and African American Historic Context Study

    Beth Johnson

    This session will introduce the Greater Cincinnati Black and African American Historic Context Study, a critical tool for identifying, documenting, and elevating the stories, places, and contributions of Black communities across the region. Participants will gain an understanding of how the study was developed, including its research framework, community engagement process, and key findings.

    More importantly, the session will focus on how this work can be put into action. Attendees will learn how the context study can support local designation efforts, strengthen nominations to the National Register of Historic Places, guide equitable planning and policy decisions, and inform advocacy strategies. The session will also highlight how this resource can empower neighborhoods, organizations, and local governments to recognize and protect historically underrepresented sites.

  • Participating in a Historic District

    Jennifer Williams

    Thinking about fixing up a place in the historic district, or just wondering what local designation actually means? This session breaks it down in plain language. We’ll cover how local historic districts work, what kinds of projects need review, and how to navigate the process without headaches. Not in a historic district yet? We’ll also cover some of the basics of local designation and how to protect your neighborhood. Whether you own, rent, or just care about the neighborhood’s character, come join the conversation.

10:15 to 11:15 AM

  • Buying, Selling & Insuring Historic Property

    Rebecca Weber and Mike & Cindy Cason

    We will provide insight into owning historic property and review financing and insuring

  • Repairing Wood Windows Demonstration

    Phil Polter‍ ‍

    Learn from our window expert, Phil, how historic windows are put together and how they work. Phil will also show basic maintenance and common repairs, such as roping and reglazing. Come learn and even try your hand at this demonstration.

  • Repairing Wood Floors

    John McEwan

    The best approaches to preserve and restore original wood flooring.

  • Porch Repair

    Will Schottelkotte

    This presentation will cover a variety of topics pertaining to the repair and restoration of what is the gateway and showpiece of a home's exterior. Topics will include assessing conditions, framing, flooring, columns, balustrades, soffit and ceiling, trim, etc.

  • Brick and Masonry Repair

    David Lamb

    Learn about all aspects of brick and masonry from this veteran mason. The session will demonstrate common brick repairs and discuss the importance of using historically appropriate techniques and building materials when conducting masonry repairs on your historic home.

  • Box Gutters

    Eric Hempleman

    Stop the Stigma. Every homeowner who says there are box gutters on their home says it like they have a death sentence. A lack of contractors providing re-lining services and a push for aluminum gutters hanging by an aluminum-wrapped 1X6 board have given box gutters a bad name. The reality is that the box gutter is far superior to an aluminum seamless gutter. The volume of water they allow, the solid platform for maintenance they provide, and the architectural detail they radiate are all reasons to save these systems. Come and explore the box gutter with a regional specialist and see that they provide a lot of benefits and that they are sorely misunderstood. We will dive into the framed structure, the seams, general maintenance, the obvious signs that something is wrong, and so much more as we work together to preserve these unique systems.

11:30 AM to 12:45 PM

  • Taste and Talk

    TASTE - Enjoy a free lunch of specialties from local restaurants.

    TALK - Visit with vendors, presentation craftspeople, museums, and historical organizations.


  • Wood Sash Repair Demonstration

    Phil Polter

    Learn from our window expert, Phil, how historic windows are put together and how they work. Phil will also show basic maintenance and common repairs, such as roping and reglazing. Come learn and even try your hand at this demonstration.

12:45 to 1:45 PM

  • Before You Paint or Repair Your Historic Brick, Know What Works and What Doesn’t.

    Darren Clark

    Darren Clark of Anderson Building Restoration will explain how historic masonry is designed to function, the risks of modern coatings, and why using the wrong mortar can cause serious long-term damage. Learn the right approach to tuckpointing and repairs to properly preserve your building.


  • How To Research Your Historic Home and the People Who Lived There

    Jim & Beverly McPhail

    We’ll show you how to research your house and property at the courthouse using deeds and other documents. We’ll cover obstacles you may encounter and ways to get around them. We’ll also give tips and provide resources for researching the people who once lived in your home.

  • Look Up! Don’t Miss the Ornaments Above You!

    Terry Wullenweber

    This hands-on presentation will focus on a demonstration of plaster tools, supplies and equipment used to create decorative plaster ornaments in the historic traditional way. The tools, equipment used as well as methods for mold-making, pouring molds and creating large ornamental medallions will be on display as well as demonstrated. Discover examples of cornice and ornamental designs used in plaster. Terry, a third-generation plasterer, will be happy to answer all your questions regarding traditional plaster and how it can be repaired using time honored materials.

    COME TRY YOUR HAND at pouring a small ornament in a rubber mold to take with you at the end of the session!

  • Custom Invisible Storm Windows

    Kyle Grant

    During this session we will explore how custom designed storm windows can dramatically improve the performance of your historic windows while maintaining the character and craftmanship that make historic buildings worth preserving.

  • Cleaning Headstones and Cemetery Symbolism

    L. RaShae Jennings

    In this presentation, we learn how to properly clean cemetery headstones and we review common cemetery symbols and their meanings.

  • Recreating Missing Decorative Elements

    Tom Covert

    Recreating Missing Architectural Elements. Sometimes when taking on a historic renovation, there is evidence of beautiful detailed architectural elements that are simply missing or are in such disrepair that they are not salvageable. To recreate these elements, Tom has learned various methods, strategies, and techniques over the years.

2:00 to 3:00 (4:00) PM

  • Stained Glass Repair/Maintenance

    Andrea Knight

    Understanding what to look for in aging windows to better preserve them, and when repair or restoration is necessary.

  • How to Be a Preservation Advocate

    Nicole Roth

    Learn how to speak up for places that matter. This session introduces practical, approachable ways to advocate for preservation in your community. From knowing your partners to highlighting the value of historic places, you will leave with the knowledge and strategies to take action.

  • Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits

    Katie Wilborn

    Do you own a historic property that needs some work done?! Your plans may qualify for Rehabilitation Tax Credits and could offer you 20-40% of your qualifying project expenses back in the form of an income tax credit.

  • History Under Your Feet: Archaeology and Historic Preservation

    Jay Stottman

    This session will provide an introduction to archaeology and how it contributes to understanding and preserving the history of Kentucky. It will feature examples of how archaeology has been used in historic preservation efforts, with an emphasis on local projects. The presentation also will discuss best practices for identifying and managing archaeological resources, as well as the laws that protect them.

  • Mr. and Mrs. Muddle

    Kaitlin Bryan

    Mr. & Ms. Muddle are a commercial and residential building brought to life through a detailed architectural diagram. This presentation peels back the layers of the structure to reveal hidden historic elements — from original materials and construction techniques to forgotten design features uncovered during recent renovations. We’ll walk through what the layers tell us about the building’s past uses, and why these historic details matter for preservation, adaptation, and future design. Whether you’re interested in architecture, local history, or adaptive reuse, this session offers a clear visual guide to understanding what lies beneath the surface.