Historic Masonry Restoration Conference

Words: Dan KamysThe International Masonry Institute, the City of Annapolis, Maryland, and the Maryland Historical Trust are teaming up in presenting the first in an annual series of Historic Masonry Restoration Conferences. The events will be headquartered at the Historic Inns of Annapolis, conveniently located in the heart of historic downtown Annapolis, August 26-28, 2004.

A designated National Historic Landmark, Annapolis has more original 18th century architecture still standing than any other city in the United States.

Also, recent statistics show that over half of all new construction contracts are for restoration or adaptive re-use, comprising roughly 17% of the masonry dollar.

Restoring America's architectural treasures requires specialized knowledge and skills. This conference will focus on historic mortars, with a three-track education session including mortar analysis, mortar basics and a walking tour of historic Annapolis. Seminars will provide invaluable information on materials' properties, historic mortar analysis, lime putty and mortars, sand and aggregates, diagnostics, specifications and much more. Other sessions will include the national sand library, a case study in restoration, hands-on laboratory sessions in pointing and cleaning, panel discussions, and a final program on condition assessment.

Registration for the event is $300 per person, and accommodations at the Historic Inn of Annapolis are available on a first come, first served basis for $149 per night. Classroom and hotel space is limited to 200 participants, so reserve your space now!

For more information, contact Dawn Lafey at dlafey@imiweb.org or call (410) 280-1304.

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