Ellen Gibson sets newly carved finials atop the circa 1930 Vaughan Homestead gateposts in Hallowell. The finials are exact replicas of the originals which had succumbed to age and weather after three quarters of a century of greeting visitors. Photo by Kate Tremblay

HALLOWELL — Vaughan Woods & Historic Homestead is set to hold its first Historic Preservation Forum at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at Vaughan Homestead, 2 Litchfield Road.

This interactive day of sharing and learning about the successes and challenges of historic preservation at sites such as Vaughan Homestead is designed to bring together local students, preservation professionals, historic homeowners and employees of regional historic sites, according to a news release from Kate Tremblay, the homestead’s executive director.

The day will begin with two keynote presentations by John Leeke, a nationally recognized preservation trades specialist and educator. One presentation will focus on the built environment and the other on the natural environment.

Leeke was recently honored by Traditional Building Magazine as one of the preservation industry’s “25 leaders who have dedicated their careers to the classical and traditional styles in myriad and outstanding ways that are serving as models around the country.”

In the afternoon, participants can move through demonstrations and exhibits designed to promote discussions related to preservation of collections, buildings and grounds. Stations include “Caring For The Homestead’s Heritage Apple Trees,” “Maintaining A Colonial Revival Flower Garden, “Preserved Artworks” and “Windows, Wallpapers & Woodwork.”

Plenary speakers will be the homestead’s Property Manager Dan Mitchell and Tremblay, who will present on documenting and caring for the historic landscape surrounding the 1794 Vaughan Homestead. Drawing information from archival research, oral history and the landscape itself, they will piece together a picture of the changes that the property has seen over time and share the organization’s developing approach to balancing preservation with natural change and modern day ecological practices.

Coffee and refreshments will be provided; a lunch will be served mid-day.

The cost is $40 for general admission and $10 for students, registration is requested.

For more information or to register, call 207-622-9831 or visit vaughanhomestead.org.

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