Help Shape the Future of Preservation Trades!
The Preservation Trades Network (PTN) is seeking passionate, engaged individuals to serve on our Board of Directors for the 2027–2029 term.
PTN has always been about bringing people together- craftspeople, educators, preservation professionals, the Network who believe in the importance of preserving buildings, and trades that built them. Now, we're looking for individuals who want to take that commitment one step further and help guide our organization's future.
What does serving on the Board involve?
PTN is a volunteer-led organization with a working Board. Members serve three-year terms and are expected to:
Attend monthly virtual Board meetings (typically 1–2 hours).
Actively participate on at least one PTN committee.
Attend our annual in-person Board retreat and International Preservation Trades Workshop (IPTW).
Contribute their ideas, experience, and connections to strengthen PTN's programs, membership, and mission.
You don't need previous Board experience to make a difference. Whether you're an experienced craftsperson, an emerging professional, an educator, or a dedicated preservation advocate, there's a place for your perspective and talents.
Serving on the PTN Board is an opportunity to give back to the preservation community, build lasting professional relationships, and help ensure that traditional trades continue to thrive for generations to come.
YOUR EXPERIENCE. YOUR VOICE. OUR FUTURE.
Interested in joining us?
Click Here to Apply
Applications are open for the 2027–2029 term. Candidates will be reviewed by the current Board, with qualified applicants considered for election by PTN's membership.
We hope you'll consider being part of what comes next!
Preservation Trades Network www.ptn.org
Demonstrators Wanted
The Preservation Trades Network is seeking demonstrators to participate in the 27th annual International Preservation Trades Workshop (IPTW).
When: Sept 17 - 19, 2026, with pre-conference options Sept 16
Where: Talis Restoration, Medina, NY
Theme: Sharp Skills - Round Stone
Demonstrator Criteria:
The PTN Board of Directors seeks demonstrators for the 2026 International Preservation Trades Workshop with the following skills in the traditional building trades: masonry, plaster, windows and doors, joinery, carpentry and timber framing, roofing, metalwork, decorative finishes, design, and business.
The mission of all demonstrations should be to advance the traditional building trades while emphasizing the importance of historic preservation and the restoration of cultural resources. Demonstrators should have expertise in a specific traditional building trade and be able to easily convey their skills and craft. The best sessions also have a hands-on component for the attendees.
The IPTW is an interdisciplinary event intended to attract participants with diverse backgrounds and skill levels, including tradespeople, allied disciplines, students, and other interested persons. All are encouraged to apply!
Demonstrator Benefits:
Free registration for yourself and one session assistant
Free event T-shirt(s)
One free Auction Dinner ticket
An assigned Volunteer assistant throughout your sessions, set-up to break down
Demonstration Details:
Setup:
Wednesday, Sept 16 - Demonstrators will move all gear, equipment, and materials into the demonstrator area at the Talis Restoration shop.
Demonstrations:
Each demonstrator should plan to facilitate their session at least twice.
Demonstrators will have the opportunity to specify your preferred demonstration date and times during the application process. Please note that while the PTN Board of Directors makes every effort, they may be unable to accommodate all requests.
Demonstrators are encouraged to build in a hands-on component for the attendees. This is the best part of coming to IPTW and sessions with opportunities for all types of learners tend to be the most popular.
Public Day: Demonstrators are encouraged to stay for and sign up to demonstrate on Public Day. This is the day where the local public is invited (for free) to attend 2 morning sessions of IPTW on Saturday, Sept 19.
Location Details:
Talis Restoration, 324 Catherine St, Medina NY
This is an old school building turned into a window restoration shop. Where we typically have tents at IPTW, each trade will have a classroom. Metals and Timber Framing will still be held outside.
Power will be readily available in all rooms. Some rooms are equipped with higher power outlets, if needed please specify this in your application.
In addition to the outstanding tradespeople from around the globe, the IPTW will showcase local artisans and help them connect to a broader network of preservation professionals.
How to Apply?
To demonstrate your trade at the 2026 IPTW, please complete the following application or submit application materials to jpeppers@ptn.org.
All demonstrator applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis and scheduled according to available time slots. Selected demonstrators will be notified upon acceptance, no later than May 31, 2026.
Additional Notes:
The IPTW adheres to all federal, state, local, and other applicable health and safety protocols to ensure a safe and enjoyable event for all involved. Demonstrators and attendees are responsible for following the IPTW's stated safety protocols while at the conference.
All demonstrators must break down their equipment and vacate the event location by sundown on Saturday. The PTN Board of Directors will provide additional details following your acceptance.
Being a demonstrator or presenter at an IPTW is a great way to share your skills and increase your visibility as a leader in the preservation trades.
Thank You!
Nominations for the 2026 Askins Achievement Award are now being accepted and may be submitted until May 1, 2026.
The Askins Achievement Award is named in honor of James S. (Jim) Askins, founder of the National Park Service Historic Preservation Training Center and recognizes contributions over and above the noteworthy. The award criteria include contributions to the preservation trades for
To learn about the Askins Award and read about previous recipients visit the PTN website HERE .
You do not have to be a member of PTN to make a nomination for the Askins Achievement Award or to receive the award. Nominations from previous years may be resubmitted. Nomination forms and award guidelines can be viewed below. The 2026 Askins Achievement award will be presented at 2026 IPTW.
Achievement Award recipients do not have to be members of Preservation Trades Network.
PTN's board of Directors is thrilled to announce the 2026 International Preservation Trades Workshop will be held on September 17th - 19th in beautiful and historic Medina, NY. We are looking forward to PTN's signature event and Medina promises to be fantastic host city. Incorporated in 1832, Medina developed quickly as a trade entrepot and center for business and manufacturing. The city offers an historic downtown and is known for its population of 19th century cobblestone buildings. Please check the website and watch your email for more information .We are looking forward to seeing you all in September!!!
Once gain it is time once again to run for the Board of Directors!!! The PTN Board of Directors has three positions open. Serving on the Board is your chance to help chart the course for PTN's future while working and improving our current functions. You must be a current member of PTN and are encouraged to have experience on non-profit boards. The time required varies and you should plan on being available for one to two remote conferences each month as well as an annual face-to-face meeting at the location of the annual IPTW. Most communication is via email and online . Each board member also serves on one or more committees and all are involved in the planning and execution of the annual International Preservation Trades Workshop. Deadline for submission is December 6th, with the ballot being presented both on-line and in the newsletter. Elections will be held later in December. Just click on the link below to start the process and good luck!
Board of Directors Nomination form
The National Trust has generously offered to provide discounted attendance fee to attend the PastForward 25 workshop in Milwaukee, WI on September 16-18, 2025. The discount code PTNPF25 has been set up for discounted registration of $500 for Preservation Trades Network members. You can register using the public registration portal at https://events.savingplaces.org/pastforward25/registration-infomation. To register click public registration > Begin Registration > PastForward25 > and type in the discount code PTNPF25.
This is a great opportunity to meet preservation professionals, network and learn about preservation efforts from across the country.
The Misia Leonard Scholarship Application Deadline Is Almost Here!
Click To Apply
There are only a few days left for all preservation trades students and apprentices to apply for the Misia Leonard Scholarship to attend this year's International Preservation Trades Workshop September 11th through 13th at Historic Fort Snelling, St. Paul, Minnesota.
Apply by this Saturday, June 21st to join professionals of every preservation trade and other trade adjacent fields, of all ages and experience levels, teaching, learning, discussing philosophies and strategies, and enjoying each others' company and influence at the oldest preservation trades conference of its kind.
All Misia Leonard Scholarship Recipients will receive travel assistance of up to $1,000 to attend IPTW.
For more information, go to Misia Leonard Scholarship today!
Misia Leonard Scholarship
As we prepare for this year’s IPTW at Historic Fort Snelling in St. Paul, Minnesota, September 11th - 13th, Preservation Trades Network is excited to share the experiences of each of our 2024 recipients who attended last year's IPTW in Savannah, Georgia. The Misia Leonard Scholarship provides financial assistance to individuals eager to immerse themselves in the world of traditional building trades. These firsthand accounts offer a glimpse into the valuable learning and networking opportunities the IPTW provides. For students, apprentices, and emerging professionals passionate about preservation, we encourage you to explore this opportunity and consider applying for the 2025 Misia Leonard Scholarship to attend IPTW 2025 and join in the learning!
For more information on Misia Leonard, and to apply for the scholarship --
CLICK HERE
Recipient Spotlight
Amy Perl
Attending this year’s IPTW was such a wonderful experience! It only happened because I was lucky enough to be selected for the Misia Leonard scholarship, which I was lucky enough to find out about and apply to at the 11th hour. But, as with many things on this journey, I feel like it was meant to be.
I attended IPTW and the memories I made there really stand out.
I am an eclectic soul. One lifetime is not enough time to explore all that I am interested in knowing and doing and seeing, but I’m giving it my best shot. This is why attending IPTW held such appeal. To be able, in one place, to learn about such a wide range of trades and materials was so special.
I was fascinated to hear Innes Drummond talk about stone and hear so many similarities to how my teacher talked about wood… how it has a “grain” (bedding plain) and when freshly quarried emits a “sap” and how when you begin working with it, pretty quickly you can feel how well it is going to cooperate with you. I got to try my hand at it and, like with all trades, you quickly recognize the skill it takes to make it look easy.
Jane Griswold Radocchia’s presentation on daisy wheels was not only an interesting lesson in the history of geometry in the building process, but also allowed the fun, hands-on exercise of creating our own daisy wheels. Talking about cubits and understanding how craftsman could use it to “speak the same language” gave me a better understanding of the methods our predecessors used to create structures of such beauty and strength.
I was thankful to have two presentations in stained glass to enjoy. In Melanie Hendrix’s session I was happy to have my first exposure to the copper foil method of making stained glass. I look forward to trying my hand at this method. I also appreciated getting to know Melanie and hear about the journey she and her husband have been on literally building their own home. It made me feel a little bit braver at the prospect of finding my own major renovation project.
It was a joy to see Rhonda Deeg and hear her presentation on restoring leaded windows. Rhonda is “my” teacher, as she is the master who teaches stained glass at Bob Yapp’s school, so I’d had the pleasure of learning from her twice before. Rhonda is the magical trifecta of being a kind and knowledgeable teacher, an experienced businesswoman with respect and love for the work she does and the glass she works on, as well as bringing the perfect combination of confidence and down-to-earth openness to her work and relationships. I am so lucky to have met Rhonda!
I learned so much from Michiel Broun’s demonstration on linseed oil paint! Being interested in traditional materials and methods, I had heard of linseed oil paint, but didn’t really know much about it and certainly had never used it before. Michiel’s captivating presentation was packed full of information on the history of this paint, the components of linseed oil paint and primer, the manufacturing methods, proper application, when not to use linseed oil paint, proper tools and cleanup, and best practices for paint maintenance. I even got to paint part of a sash for myself and see the amazing coverage you get! I couldn’t wait to get my hands on his book to learn even more about it!
I can’t end without giving a nod to Mae Bowley, the keynote speaker at the conference. Her enthusiasm and passion for the topic of deconstruction, salvage, and reuse was inspiring! We learned about the history of deconstruction, the environmental impacts of our current destructive practices, how we as individuals could help this movement in our own towns, and what progress has been made. I also got some great book references, which always makes me happy. I am so thankful people like Mae are out there fighting the good fight and educating people, but we all have a responsibility to do our part. Being in a group of people who share the same love of preservation and feel the same passion for saving our history and these unbelievably valuable materials was moving and made me feel like part of something bigger.
There are so many presenters and vendors I also spent time with that I haven’t even mentioned yet… timber framing, hardware restoration, decorative plaster, wood stains, window restoration, the list goes on.
I often say to people that the smartest thing I ever did was go into the trades. As someone with multiple liberal arts degrees, I had always had what you might call a “traditional” view toward who goes into the trades. Now that I have entered the trades myself, and particularly this wonderful historic preservation niche, I am so grateful. I have found a second family of kind and knowledgeable people who I know would be happy to help me with questions or offer encouragement whenever I need it. Knowing I am part of a group of people who value the same things I value makes my world a brighter place. Thank you so much, PTN, for awarding me this scholarship and making this experience possible!
Nominations for the 2025 Askins Achievement Award are now being accepted and may be submitted until April 1, 2025. The Askins Achievement Award is named in honor of James S. (Jim) Askins, founder of the National Park Service Historic Preservation Training Center and recognizes contributions over and above the noteworthy. The award criteria include contributions to the preservation trades for
You do not have to be a member of PTN to make a nomination for the Askins Achievement Award. Nominations from previous years may be resubmitted and are encouraged. Nomination forms and award guidelines can be viewed below. The 2025 Askins Achievement award will be presented at 2025 IPTW.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfA77TT0FgYyHIG0popyBKtY5gi4vFLcBYyMeq9z6A2Oaxq-A/viewform
What’s expected of Board Members?
Be an active PTN member in good standing or become one;
Commit to a 3-year Board Term;
Attend a monthly virtual Board Meeting on the third Thursday at 7 pm EST;
Participate in one Committee;
Contribute at least one hour per week to board work in addition to board and committee meetings;
Attend the annual Face to Face Board Meeting;
Plan and attend the International Preservation Trades Workshop;
Have a basic familiarity with the internet and software functions;
Use assigned @ptn.org gmail account and respond to communications in a timely and professional manner;
Act as an official ambassador of and liaison for the Preservation Trades Network; and
Agree to and abide by the PTN Code of Ethics.
Additionally, the Board of Directors is looking for people with skills or interest in learning any of the following:
Google Workspace for Nonprofits
Wild Apricot Member and Website Management
QuickBooks Online and budgeting
Design software like Canva or Photoshop
Communications and communications tools like eblasts, newsletters, website maintenance, and social media
Project management and event planning
Qualified applicants will be invited to a brief meeting with the current Board of Directors to ask questions about serving on the Board.
Preservation Trades NetworkPO Box 442205Detroit, MI 48244info@ptn.org
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