Community-Based Preservation Approach

Hands-on Assistance

     Cornerstones has developed a nationally-recognized model for involving community members in dynamic, volunteer-driven preservation projects to preserve historic community buildings. Cornerstones expert field staff works with communities to plan  projects, providing technical direction and applied learning, while eliciting and supporting local leadership. Cornerstones helps communities organize and implement Saturday workdays which involve community and outside volunteers recruited by Cornerstones. Since its inception in 1986, Cornerstones has participated in more than 50 such restoration projects which have not only served to preserve important historic buildings that are central to cultural heritage and community life, but have strengthened community in the process.

Technical Consultation

     Cornerstones receives many requests each year from communities for assistance in identifying and proposing solutions to problems facing their historic adobe buildings.  Cornerstones’ technical staff will visit the site, inspect the building and meet with community caretakers. After the assessment, Cornerstones provides the community with a written report, explaining the problems found and recommending solutions. Approximately 80-100 technical assistance visits are made each year.

Preservation Workshops

     Education and skill development are necessary for the success and sustainability of  preservation projects.  Cornerstones organizes preservation workshops as a means to provide technical information regarding restoration and maintenance of historic buildings.    Participants can use skills learned in these workshops and apply and teach the techniques to others in their respective communities.  Workshops are scheduled on a periodic basis in different regions throughout the state and in Mexico.  For more information see Transcending Borders under current projects.