NCPTT 2005 Annual Report

Page � • NCPTT 2005 Annual Report

A Publication of the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training www.ncptt.nps.gov

Technology Serving the Future of America’s Heritage

NCPTT

The National Center for Pres-ervation Training and Tech-nology (NCPTT) is very

pleased to present its Annual Report for the Fiscal Year 2005. We wish to acknowledge the support from the preservation community at large shown to NCPTT and in return, we trust that this report will remind our many friends and partners in the National Park Service, other federal and state government agencies, uni-versities, laboratories, preservation professions and contracting and all other affiliates of our astounding achievements.

We fully intend to continue to provide our many worthwhile pres-ent services while at the same time continued on page 2

U.S. Department of the Interior

Annual Report2005

By Bob SilmanPTT Board Chair

TeChNology rises To The TaskNCPTT Contributes Research and Technical Expertise to Disaster Response

Special RepoRt

Ncptt iN the eye of the StoRm:

Ncptt acts to protect cultural Resources affected by the

2005 hurricanes

reaching into new areas to serve the historic preserva-tion constituency with new research, teaching, conven-ing and technology transfer.

In these chal-lenging times of

very tight budget constraints at all levels of government, NCPTT has managed in fiscal year 2005 to more than fulfill its legislated role to pro-vide knowledge and training in the technology of historic preservation. Understanding the need to protect and preserve our country’s cultural

paGeS 9-12

Architecture & Engineering Program holds second Summer

Institute; Assists in planning APTI Conference

page 4e

Archeology and CollectionsNew program develops first train-

ing course; acquires equipmentpage 7e

Materials ResearchProgram Brings Cutting Edge

Cemetery Conservation to Omaha; Works with DVA on Vets’ Grave

markers page 13e

Heritage Education Program holds successful work-shops on teaching with Historic

houses of worship page 16e

Information TechnologyOnline product catalog goes live

page 17e

PTT Grants $466,483 awarded to 14 proposals

in 2005 grant cycle page 18

• NCPTT 2005 Annual Report

In Other News

NCPTT Announces New Employ-ees, Promotion

In spring 2005, NCPTT announced the addition of three new mem-

bers to its staff and one promotion. The new staff members include Ja-son Church, materials conservator; Dr. David Morgan, archeology and collections chief; and Sarah Jackson, materials research assistant. Addi-tionally, Andy Ferrell was promoted to the position of architecture and engineering chief. He joined NCPTT in 1999 and was previously archi-tecture and engineering research fellow.

NCPTT Receives Honor Award from National Trust

At the National Preservation Conference in September,

NCPTT was presented an Honor Award for its part in developing and distributing publications that encourage responsible growth in American towns and cities, along with information on policies to fos-ter cost and energy efficient school buildings.

The Center worked with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Council for Educa-tional Facility Planners International (CEFPI) on this project. NCPTT pre-viously partnered with CEFPI to produce the one of the publications included in the mailing: A Primer for the Renovation/Rehabilitation of Older and Historic Schools.

AIC Recognizes NCPTT with Dis-tinguished Service Award

The American Institute for Con-servation of Historic and Artis-

tic Works (AIC) presented NCPTT with an Award for Advancement of the Field of Conservation. AIC Director Tom Chase presented the award to NCPTT Executive Director Kirk Cordell during the AIC annual meeting in June, 2005.

resources, the Center has provided ongoing and new research in preser-vation technology and has success-fully disseminated this information to our constituency by means of publi-cations, a tremendously active inter-net site, seminars and courses, con-vening of conferences and assisting other groups in achieving their own missions.

An extraordinary challenge was presented to NCPTT immediately after hurricanes Katrina and Rita struck the Gulf Coast in August and September. Partly because of its proximity to the storm ravaged areas, but more because of its incredible depth of expertise, NCPTT pro-vided experienced staff members to aid in the assessment of the damage as well as the plans for salvage and reconstruction. These dedicated staff members left their regular jobs and families behind to minister to the needs of the devastated historic resources of this tri-state area. Other

Continued from front page ...

The impact of the Center’s activities and programs are now recognized around the country and around the world.

equipment acquisition and upgrades. Maintaining its position as one of the leading authorities on cemetery con-servation, the MRP program offered training courses and initiatives in a number of different venues across the country. The program has also contracted with other government agencies to provide specific research in problem areas and has conducted investigations in partnership with other laboratories.

The well-established Architec-ture and Engineering program has strengthened its existing activities as it develops new initiatives. Profes-sional development for engineers in historic preservation continues to be a high priority; the Summer Institute provides an intensive training course. NCPTT signed a new five year co-operative agreement that will enable them to continue work with the AIA Historic Resources Committee Preservation Education Task Force in integrating the teaching of historic preservation into the main stream of architectural education. Issues such as sustainability and smart growth continue to occupy a significant place in the program.

The impact of the Center’s activities and programs are now recognized around the country and around the world. The programs discussed above plus those in heri-tage landscapes, heritage education and research grants all have contrib-uted to this success. The year 2005 brought great strides in fulfilling NCPTT’s mission to advance the use of science and technology in historic preservation and make the informa-tion available to the public through the most efficient means of technol-ogy transfer.

The year 2005 brought great strides in fulfilling NCPTT’s mission to advance the use of science and technology in historic preservation and make the information avail-able to the public through the most efficient means of tech-nology transfer.

members of the Center assisted in different ways, not the least of which was to open their homes to families of National Park Service employees who were displaced as a result of the hurricanes. Our hats are off to all at NCPTT for their untiring efforts.

A tremendous new surge of activity in 2005 has resulted from the filling of the position of Chief of the Archeology and Collections Program. Recent equipment pur-chases have allowed the program to offer services heretofore impossible. The Center looks forward to much renewed activity in this vital area of cultural resource management.

The Materials Research Pro-gram forged ahead with much need-ed in-house research in a number of areas of conservation, aided by


NCPTT • 645 College Ave., Natchitoches, La., 71457 • 318-356-7444 • www.ncptt.nps.gov

NCPTT conducts preservation technol-ogy research NCPTT undertakes research at its in-house laboratories, which include an environmental chamber that allows researchers to test the effects of pollutants on cultural materials. More widely, the Center stimulates new research through its nationwide grants program.

NCPTT provides grants, creates partner-ships NCPTT maintains a broad partnership base that includes National Park Service sites; other federal agencies; state and tribal historic preservation offices; universities; private corporations; and local, state, national and international non-profit organizations. The Center provides direct and competitive grants to promote research and training opportunities in preservation technology.

NCPTT serves as a trainer and convener The Center develops and conducts regional seminars and workshops on topics like cemetery monument conservation. NCPTT

promotes excellence in preservation by promoting historic preservation training and education opportunities for professionals through projects like the NCPTT Preservation Engineers Initiative.

NCPTT serves as a Clearinghouse and Web Portal NCPTT’s website and publications enable the Center to deliver the latest news about preservation technologies to a variety of audiences. Also, NCPTT supports the distribution of preservation information through its grants and partnerships.

NCPTT teaches preservation for future generations Heritage Education – Louisiana conveys to our youngest citizens the power of place and the stories behind our irreplaceable treasures. The program administers competitive mini grants and holds teacher workshops to enhance the educational experience by teaching students the value of their local heritage. The program also serves as a national model for heritage education.

2005 orgANIzATIoNAl ChArT

NCPTT advances the application of science and technology to historic

preservation. Working in the fields of archeology, architecture, landscape architecture and materials conservation, the Center accomplishes its mission through training, education, research, technology transfer and partnerships.

NCPTT was created by Congress in 1992 to develop and disseminate preservation technologies and to train practitioners in new technologies. NCPTT promotes preservation in the fields of archeology, historic architecture, historic landscapes, and materials conservation.

NCPTT emphasizes preservation technology research. We support the use of innovative technologies in the preservation of cultural properties and the transfer of technology from arenas not readily identified within historic preservation.

The Center has adopted these research priorities:

1. Protect cultural resources against vandalism, looting, terrorism, and natural disasters

2 Conserve architectural materials of the “recent past”

3. Develop appropriate technologies to preserve houses of worship and cemeteries

4. Monitor and evaluate preservation treatments

5. Study environmental effects of pollution on cultural resources

6. Document and preserve threatened cultural landscapes


NCPTT U.S. Department of the Interior

in Brief2005

Lee H. Nelson HallHome of NCPTT


NCPTT’s Architecture & Engineering program encourages research and partner-ships with organizations and institutions working to advance preservation technol-ogy for buildings and other structures. In 2005, the program took part in numerous projects with significant potential impact on the architecture and engineering fields:

Professional Development Program for Engineers in Historic Preservation

NCPTT continues working with partners towards improving preservation training opportunities for engineers. Since 2001, work has focused on developing pro-fessional development courses for archi-tectural, civil, structural, and mechanical engineers, architects and technically-ori-ented graduates of historic preservation programs. To date, the courses include: Materials and Older Buildings, Building Pathology, Diagnostics Methodology and Treatment Strategies. These courses were offered at NCPTT’s initial Summer Insti-tute in 2004 and again in 2005.

The 2005 NCPTT Summer Insti-tute featuring Engineering for Older and Historic Buildings was held June 14-24, in

Natchitoches, Louisiana. Consisting of Historic Materials & Building Pathology and Diagnostics Methodology & Treat-ment Strategies, participants examined the historic Yucca House and Africa House. Located at Melrose Plantation in northwest Louisiana, these structures were built by former slaves and their descendants who became one of the wealthiest families of free people of color in the antebellum South. New features of the 2005 program were laboratory exer-cises and presentations on the archeology of the site.

Partners for the 2005 Summer In-stitute included the Architectural Engi-neering Institute (AEI) of the American Society of Civil Engineers, the American Institute of Architects Historic Resources Committee (AIA/HRC), the Association for Preservation Technology Internation-al, Northwestern State University, Cane River Creole National Historical Park, Cane River National Heritage Area and the Association for the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches. Continuing educa-tion units were available from the AEI and AIA.

After two years of Summer Institute programs, an alumni network is beginning to develop. Following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, a number of Summer Institute alumni provided useful feedback for the Rapid Building and Site Condition Assess-ment Form developed by NCPTT, and others worked for FEMA and volunteer organizations assessing historic buildings damaged by the storms.

In addition to the preservation engineering training, the 2006 Summer Institute will feature training in archeolog-ical prospection and cemetery monument conservation. The 2006 Summer Institute is scheduled for June and July.

AIA/HRC Preservation Education Task Force

NCPTT continued to participate in the American Institute of Architects His-toric Resources Committee Preservation Education Task Force towards integrating historic preservation into the basic curric-ulum of professional architecture degree programs. NCPTT participated in the first of a series of symposia addressing these issues held Nov. 19-21, 2004, at the AIA headquarters in Washington, D.C. and a follow up meeting in January 2005. As a result of the efforts of the task force, the

A tarped home expresses the resolve of New Orleans residents to rebuild their homes post-Katrina. NCPTT’s Architecture and Engineering program is offering expertise and research during the assessment and rebuilding period.

TeChNology ProvidiNg Tools To rebuild

Program holds second annual Summer Institute; Assists in AIA/HRC Preservation Education Task Force

“Following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, a number of Summer In-stitute alumni provided useful feedback for the Rapid Building and Site Condition Assess-ment Form developed by NCPTT, and others worked for FEMA and volunteer organizations assessing historic build-ings damaged by the storms.”


Student Performance Criteria used by the National Architectural Accrediting Board to accredit architecture schools have been revised to include preservation values.

The group convened again in Bath, England in September 2005, to examine European educational models and to con-tinue this dialogue between academics and preservation practitioners.

Sustainable Approaches to Historic Preservation

Architecture and Engineering contin-ues researching sustainable practices for historic preservation towards collecting a body of knowledge on this emerging topic. The initial phase of the sustainability initia-tive has involved attending conferences and facilitating informal conversations with professionals on green topics and sustainable practices as related to historic preservation.

Smart Growth and Historic PreservationThe preservation and revitalization

of historic buildings and sites is a natural companion for the Smart Growth move-ment. Rehabilitating historic buildings and districts optimizes underutilized resources and takes advantage of existing infrastruc-ture. In August, NCPTT participated in

the Louisiana University Consortium for Smart Growth and Educational Out-reach. NCPTT attended Senator Mary Landrieu’s conference on Smart Growth and began researching Smart Growth is-sues related to historic preservation.

APTI Annual Conference 2006The Association for Preservation

Technology International (APTI) holds an annual conference that highlights techno-logical developments in historic preserva-tion. NCPTT is a member of the planning team for the September 2006 APTI confer-ence, to be held in Atlanta. In August, NCPTT joined members of the Southeast Region Chapter of the APTI for the first planning committee meeting.

Concrete Publication Work continues on a publication on

the history of concrete, based on the ex-tensive notes of Charles Peterson, founder of the NPS Historic American Buildings Survey. This project with the Athenaeum of Philadelphia will lead to a one-of-a-kind resource on early concrete. It will or-ganize, edit and publish a substantial body of information pertaining to the origins of concrete construction.

Architecture and Engineering

Students evaluate the condition of Yucca house at Melrose Plan-tation during NCPTT’s Summer Institute Training.

“In August, NCPTT participated in the Louisiana University Consortium for Smart Growth and Educational Outreach. NCPTT attended Senator Mary Landrieu’s conference on Smart Growth and began researching Smart Growth issues related to historic preservation.”

Architecture and Engineering research

Download this research @ www.ncptt.nps.gov

African house at Melrose Plantation provides Summer Institute participants a unique study of construction as well as deterioration and drainage issues.

continued on next page


Historic Schools Initiative At the annual National Trust for

Historic Preservation conference, in Portland, OR, NCPTT was honored along with the Council for Educational Facility Planners International (CEFPI) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for two publications, A Primer for the Renovation/Rehabilitation of Older and Historic Schools (which resulted from an NCPTT grant) and Schools for Success-ful Communities: an Element of Smart Growth. NCPTT coordinated a targeted mailing of these publications during May 2005 and distributed them via mail to city governments, school boards and preserva-tion leaders. It was for the impact of these publications and the outreach effort that NCPTT, CEFPI and the EPA were hon-ored.

Community Outreach NCPTT seeks to provide technical

research and training for individuals and organizations. Outreach ranges from answering inquiries via e-mail and tele-phone to visiting historic neighborhoods and sites. In August NCPTT was asked to visit the long-vacant Kisatchie High School located about 30 miles south of NCPTT’s headquarters in Natchitoches, La. Alumni and local residents were interested in re-storing the school, which was built around 1919. NCPTT staff visited the school and

Chris Stevens of the olmsted Center for landscape Preserva-tion designed a historically faith-ful landscape plan for NCPTT’s Nelson hall, which is scheduled for implementation in 2006.

offered advice and technical preservation information to community members who are currently developing proposals for the adaptive use of the historic school build-ings.

Preservation and Affordable Housing Program

Recognizing that many preserva-tion degree programs require hands-on experience as part of graduate studies, NCPTT began exploring the develop-ment of a program that would involve the rehabilitation of small vernacular structures as affordable housing. The focus of the program would be to provide real world preservation experience using existing and emerging technologies to research, document and rehabilitate these resources.

Architecture and Engineering research


NCPTT provided advice and technical information to a grass-roots committee dedicated to the restoration of the historic Kisatchie School in Natchitoches Parish, la.


Much of the human past is unknown except for the record people left in the

ground and across the landscape. Indus-trial and technological developments of the last two centuries have threatened this record to an unparalleled degree. Even the process of doing archeology takes its toll on the very resources from which we seek to learn about the past. However, modern technological innovations have given us the capability of protecting these finite ma-terials and places in ways that once were unimaginable.

Though the Center has always been in-volved in archeological research, NCPTT created the Archeology and Collections program to bring additional focus to this area by fostering technological advances in archeological sites, landscapes, materi-als, and collections. NCPTT enhanced the new program in April of 2005 by ap-pointing David W. Morgan (Ph.D., Tulane

University) as its chief.The Archeology & Collections Pro-

gram has participated in numerous activi-ties since its inception, including collect-ing GPS data to enhance the Cane River National Heritage Area GIS database hosted at NCPTT, public and professional outreach, and exploring new research partnerships and opportunities. One of the more important ongoing tasks is revis-ing the National Center’s list of PTTGrant research priorities to include archeologi-cal concerns. Additionally, some of the most notable projects completed in 2005 include:

Engineering for Older and Historic Buildings Leads to Preservation Part-nership Effort.

The faculty of NCPTT’s 2005 Archi-tecture and Engineering Summer Insti-tute program used the early 19th-century Africa and Yucca houses at Melrose

PreservaTioN TeChNology from The grouNd uP

New NCPTT Archeology Program Begins New Initiatives in Plantation Archeology, Non-invasive Techniques

“The newly created Ar-cheology & Collections Program seeks to foster and develop technologi-cal innovations and ap-plications that enhance the preservation of ar-cheological sites, land-scapes, materials, and collections.”

Archeology and Collections research


A contour map developed by the Archeology and Collections program will help Summer Institute instructors in the Architecture and Engineering program to develop a drainage plan for the historic structures at Melrose Plantation.


Plantation as learning tools for their course, looking specifically at the interplay between restoration efforts and damage to the structures caused by standing water. Prior to the Institute, the non-profit own-ers of the plantation, a National Historic Landmark, were considering either raising the structure or grading the land sur-rounding it, both of which posed consider-able threat to the property’s archaeological resources.

Based on the Institute faculty’s recom-mendation, the Archeology & Collections Program partnered with the NPS Cane River Creole National Historical Park and the Cane River National Heritage Area to create a highly detailed topographic map of the 3,501 square meter area. The Institute architects used the map to plan a better way to drain water from the houses using the natural contours of the land, a mitigation strategy far less damaging than either of the options previously under consideration.

Archeology & Collections Program Ac-quires Equipment

One thing that makes archeology so distinctive as a discipline is its emphasis on understanding the precise spatial relation-ship between objects. Where one thing

is relative to another is the fulcrum by which its meaning is leveraged. NCPTT obtained three new pieces of equipment to enable it to participate in contemporary projects and research: · Trimble® Pathfinder Pro XH geograph-

ic positioning system with accessories--using satellites this device can tell its operator where on the globe they are to within 20 to 30 cm;

· Trimble® GeoExplorer GeoXT geo-graphic positioning system with ac-cessories--using satellites this device can tell its operator where on the globe they are to within 1 m;

· Topcon® GPT-8203A robotic total station with accessories--this survey-ing instrument allows its operator to record precise sub-millimeter spatial data.

Archaeological Preservation Technol-ogy Research Consortium

The Archaeological Preservation Technology Research Consortium (AP-TRC) was formed through a cooperative agreement between NCPTT, Arizona State University (the host), the University of Ark., the Western Center for Archeol-ogy and Paleontology, and several other partner institutions and research universi-ties. The goal of the APTRC is to advance the use of technology for resolving critical issues facing the preservation of archaeo-logical resources through creation of a working collaboration of university and federal agency partners.

The consortium, led by Dr. Arleyn Simon of Arizona State University, met in Tempe, Ariz., on Aug. 18-20 to discuss developments and new directions in remote sensing research. Formal presen-tations highlighted current remote sensing techniques in practice, as well as three-di-mensional modeling and analyses.

The consortium concluded that changes need to be made in policy so that remote sensing is considered baseline pre-excavation fieldwork; that archeolo-gists need to develop best practice proto-cols that parallel those developed in the United Kingdom; and that archeologists need to gain name recognition by spon-soring a united research effort in the near future. Plans were made to re-convene in Puerto Rico at the 2006 meeting of the Society for American Archeology to formulate an action plan to advance these proposed changes.

Archeology and Collections research


The powered parachute aerial survey vehicle was the result of a PTT grant. The vehicle and pilot, Tommy hailey, will take part in the Archeology and Collections training during the 2006 Summer Institute.



• Ncptt participates in heritage emergency National task force

• Ncptt leads by developing condition assessment tools for fema.

• Ncptt Develops hurricane preservation technical as-sistance Web page

• Ncptt details staff to fema recovery efforts

• Ncptt partners to implement a series of wet recovery workshops in louisiana

• Ncptt staff deliver presen-tations on Ncptt disaster response efforts

Special ReportNcptt acts to protect cultural Resources affected by the 2005 hurricanes

On August 29, 2005 Hurricane Katrina devastated a major portion of the central Gulf Coast in what was called the

worst disaster in United States history. Less than a month later, Hurricane Rita brought similar de-struction just east of the Texas/Louisi-ana border.

In re-sponse to the massive damage to cultural resources

throughout the region, the National Park Service (NPS) Cultural Resources program began coordinating NPS ef-

forts through a series of conference calls beginning September 3, 2005. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) called upon the Heri-tage Emergency National Task Force (HENTF) for information and assistance in response to the disasters. Located in north central Louisiana, NCPTT was positioned to assist immediately with staff and resources.

NCPTT Staff Come to the Aid of People and Cultural Resources As Katrina and Rita threatened their homes, thousands of families fled south Louisiana and headed north-ward. NCPTT staff quickly began to understand the human toll the hur-ricanes would take even before the storms made landfall. Staffers took people into their homes and pro-vided meals, clothing and volunteer

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Page �0 • NCPTT 2005 Annual Report

assistance to those in overfilled shelters. The immediacy and scope of the disaster further spurred staff to protect the count-less cultural resources they knew would be affected by the disaster. Drawing upon their preservation expertise and close proximity to the disas-ter, NCPTT staff worked continuously with FEMA and the Heritage Emergency National Task Force (HENTF) to provide tools that would document the damage and provide

surveyors in using it. Additionally, NCPTT developed a Rapid Cemetery Condition Assessment form and further contributed to or influenced similar forms including the Save Outdoor Sculpture! Rapid Condition Assessment by Heritage Preservation, and the H.E.A.R.T. form for collections by the American Association for State and Local History and the American Institute for Con-servation. Each of these forms were built on a relational database so that informa-tion could be gathered manually or elec-tronically and compiled for later evaluation.

Technical Assistance Fills Communica-tions Vacuum NCPTT also stepped in to fill the com-munications vacuum occurring during the post-storm chaos. Staff compiled maps, lists, disaster-related research and updated contact information that would be useful for those assisting in the recovery effort, no matter their location. The information was put into electronic format and made a special part of the NCPTT website. The Hurricane Technical Assistance website became a primary national information resource and the NPS’ principal reference for hurricane response and recovery relative to cultural resources.

NCPTT details staff to FEMA recovery efforts

In September, NCPTT received a re-quest from FEMA to embed two employees with historic building technology expertise at the Joint Field Office in Baton Rouge. Andy Ferrell, architecture and engineering chief, and Mary Striegel, materials research chief, served 30-day non-consecutive rota-tions as part of the National Emergency System, ESF-11 task force. Sean Clifford, NCPTT web developer and David Morgan, archeology and collections chief, provided additional assistance to FEMA as needed.

Ferrell began working with FEMA on October 4 and was stationed in Baton

Special Report

iN the eye of the StoRm

guidelines that encouraged saving and recovering damaged structures, sites and collections.

NCPTT Leads by Developing Condition Assessment Tools for FEMA As the extent of flooding and devastation made immediate recovery efforts impos-sible, NCPTT turned its focus to working with State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs) to develop a method to assess building and site conditions as part of an evolving debris management and demoli-tion plan for affected states. NCPTT staff, working with HENTF members, developed a one-page Rapid Building and Site Condition Assessment form for FEMA, along with a brief instruction guide and glossary to assist

Ncptt acts to protect cultural Resources affected by the 2005 hurricanes

tarp New orleans, a group headed by former Ncptt intern alice-anne Krishnan, tarps historic houses that don’t qualify for tarp programs by fema and the National trust.

Page �� • NCPTT 2005 Annual Report

Rouge for one week and spent the remain-ing three weeks surveying storm-damaged buildings in New Orleans’ 20 National Reg-ister Districts. Working with a small team, he focused on assessing buildings that the city had previously deemed unsafe for en-try. He also worked closely with the Loui-siana SHPO to survey a mid 20th century African American suburb in preparation for a National Register district nomination.

Striegel served a month long detail starting November 7. Striegel’s work includ-ed assessing the condition of damaged col-lections and providing technical assistance in collection recovery. During her detail, Striegel served as part of a five-member strike force deployed to recover and sal-vage about 1,750 objects in the Ft. Jackson museum in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana.

Clifford participated in an inaugural workshop designed to develop a GIS pro-gram for FEMA and began working to pro-vide database and web development sup-port for this project. The GIS program was developed by FEMA and the National Park Service Cultural Resources GIS program in

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iN the eye of the StoRm

order to survey all red-tagged residential buildings in New Orleans to determine their eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places.

Morgan collaborated with Alexa Rob-erts, superintendent of the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site, who served a detail to FEMA. She was given the task of coordinating consultation between FEMA and Louisiana’s federally-recognized Native American tribes with regard to Section 106 issues. Morgan was one of her main points of contact, and she included portions of one of his publica-tions as part of her final report to FEMA.

Morgan also coauthored a paper with Nancy Morgan (Cane River National Heri-tage Area) and Brenda Barrett (NPS) that describes how Hurricane Katrina exposed the difficulty our federal preservation sys-tem has had in adequately documenting the ordinary markers on the landscape that are crucial to a sense of community iden-tity, despite the existence of NPS Bulletin 38 and its provisions for listing traditional cultural properties on the National Regis-

Ncptt acts to protect cultural Resources affected by the 2005 hurricanes

Working with a fema strike force, al levitan recov-ers the fort Jackson plaque.

“NCPTT added hurri-cane technical assistance to its home page, www.ncptt.nps.gov, and pro-vided links to NPS and non-NPS information. The NCPTT web site is a primary national infor-mation resource and the NPS’ principal reference for hurricane response and recovery relative to cultural resources.”


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iN the eye of the StoRmNcptt acts to protect cultural Resources affected by the 2005 hurricanes

ter. The peer-reviewed paper is scheduled for publication in a special issue of Ameri-can Anthropologist in September 2006. He also planned to discuss the article at the Ename Conference in Belgium as one of its featured round-table case studies.

NCPTT partners to implement a series of wet recovery workshops in Louisi-ana

Scheduled for March 2006, NCPTT partnered with four other cultural resource groups and the American Institute for Conservation to develop and implement three day-long workshops titled, “After the Storm: Recovery of Wet Collections.” The workshops provide information and skills needed to recover wet collections. The audience for the training is collections staff

and volunteers charged with the care of cultural collections, and to members of the public whose personal property were affected by storms and flooding. NCPTT staff facilitated the meeting and contrib-uted coordination and outreach efforts.

Dates and locations of workshops in-clude: • March 16, The National D-Day Mu-

seum, New Orleans, LA• March 17, LSU Rural Life Museum,

Baton Rouge, LA • March 20, National Center for Pres-

ervation Technology and Training, Natchitoches, LA

Staff Deliver Presentations on NCPTT Disaster Response Efforts

Ferrell, along with Patricia Gay, execu-tive director of the Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans, and David S. Preziosi, executive director of Mississippi Heritage, were invited to present a ses-sion on hurricane recovery efforts at the Saving Places conference in Denver on February 9. The session, entitled “When Disaster Strikes,” focuses on efforts by government agencies and non-profit organizations to rehabilitate entire com-munities and neighborhoods, restore historic icons, and attract businesses and homeowners back to heavily damaged historic districts.

Striegel was invited to speak as part of the Library of Congress Topics in Preservation Science series scheduled for March 2, 2006. Her presentation, en-titled “The Conservation Scientist Meets Hurricane Katrina,” focuses her experi-ences in the real world aftermath of Hur-ricane Katrina. Preconceived notions of what Louisiana needed were replaced with more realistic approaches to collec-tion salvage and stabilization.

“NCPTT partnered with four other cultural resource groups and the AIC to develop and implement three day-long work-shops titled, After the Storm: Recovery of Wet Collections. Held in Louisiana, these workshops provide information and skills needed to recover wet collections.”


NCPTT’s Materials Research Pro-gram focuses on understanding how cultural objects deteriorate

with time and on developing new methods to preserve these objects. NCPTT part-ners with parks, laboratories, universities and government agencies to accomplish these tasks.

In 2005, the program strengthened its National Cemetery Preservation Initiative by adding a new course and developing new audiences. Jason Church, NCPTT’s materials conservator, joined the staff to head up this productive initiative.

On the research front, experimental phases of three research projects were completed and final reports are now be-ing drafted. Throughout the year, NCPTT increased its research capabilities with upgrades and additions to its laboratory equipment.

National Cemetery Training InitiativeOn May 24-26, NCPTT partnered

with the NPS Midwest Regional Office, Gerald R. Ford Conservation Center, and

Prospect Hill Cemetery in Omaha, Neb., to hold the third Cemetery Monument Conservation (CMC) workshop. This intensive hands-on workshop focused on conservation treatments crucial to the preservation of historic grave markers. For the first time, historic metals con-servation was introduced into the work-shop’s schedule. The three-day workshop also addressed issues and techniques in cleaning, consolidation, adhesive and re-inforced stone repair, setting techniques, patching and safety. The workshop was held at the newly relocated NPS Midwest Regional Office and historic Prospect Hill Cemetery. A total of 26 participants from the U.S. and Canada participated.

In 2005, NCPTT developed and held its first CMC Basics workshop. This half-day workshop is geared to the non-preservationist and includes classroom lecture and field demonstrations. NCPTT partnered with the Vernon Parish Tour-ism Commission to host this first CMC Basics workshop at Old Anacoco Baptist Church and cemetery in Leesville, La., in July. Thirty-five people participated in the workshop that focused on identify-ing materials, understanding symbols, maintenance, cleaning and simple stone repairs.

The final course in the CMC work-shop series is an advanced workshop

leadiNg CemeTery CoNservaTioN TraiNiNg

MRP Brings Cutting Edge Cemetery Conservation to Omaha; Works with DVA on Vets’ Gravemarkers

Materials research


Participants in the 2005 CMC workshop at Prospect Hill in Omaha, Neb., learn to fill and patch stones.

NCPTT’s National Cemetery Training Initiative educates cem-etery professionals about histori-cally-sensitive methods of ceme-tery conservation. To accomplish this, NCPTT has reached out to allied professionals and new au-diences.

open only to those people who have participated in the three-day CMC work-shop. In 2005, NCPTT did the ground research and planned to hold a five-day Advanced CMC workshop during the 2006 NCPTT Summer Institute.

NCPTT’s National Cemetery Train-ing Initiative educates cemetery pro-fessionals about historically-sensitive methods of cemetery conservation. To accomplish this, NCPTT has reached out to allied professionals and new audi-ences. In 2005, NCPTT presented two


major lectures to cemetery professionals. The first was a presentation on “Cemetery Preservation” at the Monument Builders of North America annual conference. This presentation, held in January in Memphis, Tenn., drew a crowd of around 150 profes-sional monument builders. The second presentation was at the Mid-America Monument Builders Association meeting in July in Wichita, Kansas. This presenta-tion on “Cemetery Conservation Basics” drew a crowd of approximately 125 monu-ment dealers and builders.

Durability of Traditional and Modified Limewash for Use on Historic Buildings in the Cane River Creole National His-torical Park

NCPTT, Cane River Creole National Park (CARI), and Quality Finish, Inc. part-nered to test the durability of traditional and modified limewashes for use on the park’s historic brick and wooden struc-tures. The study, started in 2004 and con-tinuing through 2005, looked at ten lime wash recipes made with three different types of lime. Researchers applied lime washes to handmade brick or wood sam-ples, and evaluated performance based on standardized abrasion, adhesion and artifi-cial weathering tests. Results of this study are available through NCPTT and may be used in the selection of limewashes for the Cane River Creole National Historical Park. The study has been expanded and new results will be forthcoming in 2006.

Investigating Vitrification to Treat Tra-ditional Terrazzo Floors

In partnership with the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), NCPTT completed a study of vitrification as a possible treatment for historic terrazzo floors. The purpose of this study is to aid GSA in establishing a policy for terrazzo care by providing scientific evidence with which to evaluate the vitrification process. Researchers completed a wide variety of chemical and physical tests to investigate surface changes, strength changes, liquid water and water vapor transport, and ap-pearance changes of the different surface treatments.

The Center’s researchers have shown that compared to standard wax, vitri-fication allows for somewhat greater moisture transport through the terrazzo, that color saturation increases, and that surface chemistry changes permanently only for the top microlayer. Vitrification increases terrazzo’s resistance to surface impact. We also have determined that Materials research


The Center’s researchers have shown that compared to stan-dard wax, vitrification allows for somewhat greater moisture transport through the terrazzo, that color saturation increases, and that surface chemistry changes permanently only for the top microlayer.

vitrification by default produces a highly glossy surface that may not be character-istic of historic terrazzo floors (though glossiness can be modified during the ap-plication process with matting agents).

NCPTT is in the last stages of editing the final report, expected out by mid-2006. The final results of this work were submitted for presentation at the Associa-tion for Preservation Technology Annual Conference in Atlanta, GA, Sept. 13-16, 2006.

Newly-Developed Stone Consolidant: Alkoxygermanes

NCPTT partnered with Northwest-ern State University of Louisiana (NSU) to test the potential of several alkoxyger-mane compounds to perform as stone

NCPTT researchers built an apparatus that measures friction across a treated terrazzo slab. A weight, which is connected to a block with thread, is sus-pended from the side of the table. Researchers measure the smallest amount of weight needed to make the block move.


consolidants. Working with a grant from the Louisiana Board of Regents, NCPTT researchers have successfully made a gel consolidant. The staff applied the gel to limestone samples and tested the per-formance relative to untreated stone and stone treated with traditional consolidants. The experimental consolidant does have some strengthening effect. However, the effect was marginal and requires further study and development.

Additionally, Cole Stevens, an NCPTT undergraduate intern, has begun work to-gether with faculty in the biology depart-ment at Northwestern State University to investigate the possible biocidal effects of these compounds. Several tests have been devised to examine this biocidal capability and research will begin in 2006.

NCPTT Lab CapabilitiesWith recent lab acquisitions and

upgrades, NCPTT is fast developing wide-ranging lab capabilities. NCPTT’s Environmental Exposure Chamber (EEC) underwent an extensive upgrade. This instrument is used to measure pollution on materials. NCPTT researchers can also measure weathering effects of ultraviolet light and moisture with its Q-Panel QUV artificial weatherometer. New to the labs is a VersaTester three-point bend tester to test brick, mortar and other building materials. NCPTT also has the capacity to carry out ASTM tests, like the adhe-sion test of surface treatments and friction tests.

Materials research


A limewash sample is undergoing a falling sand abrasion test.

NCPTT Researchers prepare brick samples a for artificial weathering.

The Center’s analytical equipment is similarly varied, providing capabilities to take micrographs of surfaces with a com-puter-assisted microscope, to analyze the surface morphology in depth using a laser profilometer, to quantitatively evaluate the color characteristics of samples with a portable colorimeter, and to measure glossiness with a handheld glossme-ter. NCPTT’s analytical lab can analyze samples for various ion content with our Dionex Ion Chromatograph. A Perkin-Elmer Fourier-Transform Infrared Spec-trometer with its attachments enables researchers to look at a sample’s surface chemical makeup.

With recent lab acqui-sitions and upgrades, NCPTT is fast develop-ing wide-ranging lab capabilities.


In fiscal year 2005 NCPTT’s Heritage Education continued to work at meet-ing the needs of classroom teachers

who must not only cover curriculum standards and benchmarks, but must also consider high-stakes testing. Classroom teachers, preservation specialists and edu-cation specialists are consulted to ensure that the program meets preservation ethics and provides professional development for teachers in innovative and evolving educa-tional theory and techniques.

WorkshopsNCPTT’s Heritage Education program

used the theme of Historic Churches and Sacred Places for its 2005 summer work-shops for teachers. Workshops were held across Louisiana, including the cities of Houma, Minden and Breaux Bridge. As with 2004’s workshops on teaching with cemeteries, each workshop attracted near-capacity crowds. Heritage Education is already receiving requests from partici-pants to hold similar workshops in their hometowns in 2006.

Cemetery Scavenger HuntsGrowing out of the 2004 workshop theme of historic cemeteries, Heritage Educa-tion hosted several groups of students for presentations and tours at the historic American Cemetery in Natchitoches, La. Students from the Natchitoches Parish Library’s Teen Reading Program, NSU El-ementary Lab School, the Natchitoches Education Center, Cane River Children Services and a group of students from Marshall, Texas, were all given a brief pre-sentation on the significance and history of cemeteries at NCPTT. The groups went for a scavenger hunt in a cemetery. At the cemetery, the par-ticipants were given a list of over 30 items to locate. The students not only learned about the importance of the cemetery’s history and monuments, but they also es-tablished a new found interest and respect for cemeteries.

Mini GrantsIn 2005 the Heritage Education pro-

gram provided more than $80,000 in Mini Grants to 18 K-12 teachers in Louisiana for the development of curriculum-based heritage education activities using over 100 local cultural and historic sites as con-tent. An awards ceremony was held that honored new grant recipients as well as past grant winners as part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s “Preser-vation Month.”

Nancy Hawkins from the Louisiana Division of Archaeology conducted a morning workshop for Mini Grant recipi-ents to discuss grant policies and proce-dures. The Division of Archaeology in the Office of Cultural Development under the State Historic Preservation Office again administered the grants.

Diversity InternshipFor the third consecutive year,

NCPTT’s Heritage Education program was chosen to host an intern through the National Park Service’s Cultural Resourc-es Diversity Internship Program. Only 10-20 preservation-oriented organizations from across the nation are chosen to serve as hosts for interns.

In 2005, the program hosted Brit-tany Murphy, a student from Louisiana. Murphy worked with Heritage Education over the summer developing workshops for teachers.

The Tools of heriTageWorkshops on Historic Houses of Worship Prove Popular

with Heritage Education Teachers

Teachers in houma, louisiana, participate in a heritage Edu-cation Workshop focused on historic churches.

Heritage Education — Louisiana

In 2005, NCPTT’s heritage Education program hosted over 200 students for scavenger hunts designed to instill appreciation for cemeteries as a cultural resource.

In 2005 Heritage Education provided more than $80,000 in Mini Grants to 18 K-12 teachers in Louisiana for the develop-ment of curriculum-based her-itage education activities using 169 local cultural and historic sites as content.


The information technology compo-nent of NCPTT is comprised of four elements: information manage-

ment of grants and projects, the Internet program, in-office computer systems, and publication distribution. In 2005, exciting new enhancements have been made to all four components to achieve the Center’s principal goal of fostering development of, access to, and dissemination of preservation-related in-formation. Access to information via elec-tronic means is strongly promoted.

Grants and Projects September marked the second year NCPTT utilized its in-house custom built on-line grants system. NCPTT’s Web Developer, Sean Clifford, revamped the PTT grants system into an SQL database-driven web based application that is more powerful and easier to use than its predecessor. The IT department has made great strides in recent years to be less reliant on commercial software to manage its PTT grants program. With the current system in place, NCPTT now has a totally automated

wiNdow To a world of researCh Print and Online Product Catalogs Provide Quality Research at No Cost

The NCPTT online product cata-log provides a decade of preser-vation technology research in a convenient downloadable for-mat. The online product catalog grew out of NCPTT’s first print catalog, which was distributed in July.

system that allows users flexibility in pro-ducing their grant applications as well as easing the task of managing the grants program for the staff.

Internet Program NCPTT’s Internet program encompasses all projects that are Internet-based and that enhance NCPTT as a leader in the electronic dissemination of information. A major focus of the program has been the continuing development of NCPTT’s website to deliver preservation informa-tion and NCPTT products to the preser-vation community. FY2005 saw a facelift in the website’s appearance. Among the new additions to the NCPTT website were the reorganiza-tion of the site’s knowledge center, more clearly defined labels, a scrolling news link, and a new on-line catalog for delivery of NCPTT’s grant publications and news-letters. In anticipation of greater traffic on NCPTT’s website in the coming years the site has been moved to a new high-speed server that contains a vast array of new and improved web tools.

In-office Computer Systems In an effort to protect NCPTT data and systems from intruders a firewall was installed. IT staff continue to upgrade soft-ware on all workstations and servers. A di-saster recovery plan has been written and implemented in the event a catastrophic event destroys NCPTT’s data. A plan is currently being developed to address a ca-tastrophe to the workstations and servers. Additionally, NCPTT’s workstations were equipped with UPS backup systems to combat power outages and rogue surg-es. The measures taken during FY2005 have made NCPTT’s data and equipment more insulated from attacks and disasters.

Publication DistributionOne of the major functions of the NCPTT website is to provide a central location to search for preservation publications. In FY 2005 a total of 235 publications were mailed to the public by NCPTT informa-tion technology staff.

Information Technology


Grant Proposals Categorized by NCPTT Research Priority65 submissions

Monitor and eval-uate preservation treatments, 7

Protect cultural resources against vandalism, loot-ing and terror-ism, 2

Meet the preservation needs of houses of wor-ship and cemeteries, 8

Investigate environmental effects of air pollution on cultural resources, 2

Document and preserve threatened cultural land-

scapes, 13

other technologies, 31

Conserve architectural materials of the recent past, 2

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PTT Grants Awarded in 2005Jefferson Community College (& Dry Stone Conservancy)

Breaking the Virtual Barrier; a Model Program for Preservation Trades Education &

Training Utilizing Satellite & Simulcast Distance Learning Technologies; $36,442

The Mariner’s MuseumAn Evaluation of Supercritical Drying and PEG/Freeze-Drying of Waterlogged

Archaeological Wood; $31,158

Montana Preservation AllianceCreating a Digital Archive for Cultural Landscapes: Recordation of Montana’s

Tongue River Valley; $40,000

Association for Preservation Technology InternationalDevelopment and Dissemination of a Grading Protocol for Lumber in Historic

Structures; $32,813

Catalina Island ConservancyMerging Aerial Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Satellite Multispectral Data to

Inventory Archaeological Sites; $39,990

University of ArizonaRemoval of Arsenic and Mercury Contamination in Museums Using a Natural Envi-

ronmentally Benign Chemical; $39,578

Louisiana State UniversityDisaster Science and Heritage Resources: Modeling and Mapping the Risks to Critical

(Heritage) Infrastructure in New Orleans; $39,806

Fort Ticonderoga AssociationAcoustic Emission and Vibration Correlation; $39,975

Victoria MansionRecent Research and Technical Innovations in Brownstone Conservation; $11,362

University of Nebraska-LincolnEvaluation of Remote Sensing Tools for Estimation of Interior Wyoming Basin

Cultural Landscape Attributes Using Archived Satellite Imagery and Off the Shelf

Software; $36,875

University of CincinnatiTesting the Regional Reliability of Spectral Signatures of Archaeological Phenomena;

$40,000

San Juan County Historical SocietyShenandoah-Dives Mill Historic Structure Assessment, HAER and HALS Workshop;

$8,284

National Park Service, Midwest Archaeological CenterIdentification of Unmarked Graves; $30,200

National Park Service, Pacific West Regional OfficeTechnical Assistance and Training in the Identification, Documentation, Investigation,

Analysis, and Treatment of a Cultural Resource Site, Pohnpei; $40,000

Total: $466,483


The most recent PTTGrants Call for Proposals drew 65 requests totaling over $2 million. Proposals were received from 25 states and the District of Columbia. This map graphically depicts the geographical distribution of grant pro-posals received for the PTTGrants program.

PTT Grants Requests and Awards 1997-2005

PTT Grants: Seeking New Solutions for Old Problems

In 2005, NCPTT funded 14 PTTGrants totaling $466,483. The proposals were peer reviewed and selected by a panel consisting of NPS staff, a PTTBoard representative and Grants administrator. This graph shows the total dollar amounts of proposals submitted and grants funded for fiscal years 1997-2005.

Distribution of Applications By State


National Center for Preservation Technology and Training Staff

Kirk A. Cordell executive director

Kevin Ammons administrative officer

Mary Bistodeau receptionist

Tye Botting NCPTT/Nsu Joint faculty

Jason Church materials Conservator

Sean Clifford web developer

Lance Ellis i.T. administrator

Andy Ferrell Chief, architecture and engineering

Jeff Guin marketing manager

Sarah Jackson materials research assistant

David W. Morgan Chief, archeology and Collections

Mary Ellen Servello executive secretary

Mary F. Striegel Chief, materials research

NCPTT Interns

Anna Breaux information Technology internJennifer Renfrow information Technology internCole Stevens materials research intern

Judith Ann Bense, Ph.D.Chair, department of anthropologydirector, archaeology instituteuniversity of west florida

Horace Henry Foxall, Jr.Program manager, u.s. Corps of engineers

James Walter Garrisonstate historic Preservation officer, arizona

Roy Eugene Graham, FAIAdirector, College Programs in historic Preservationschool of architecture, university of florida

Norman Koonce, FAIA National Co-ChairmanThe Campaign for the american Center of architecture

Suzanne Lewis, Vice Chairsuperintendent, yellowstone National Parksecretary of interior’s designee to PTT board

Patricia O’Donnell, FASLA Principal, heritage landscapes

Rob Pahl, AIAPresident, Pahl, Pahl, Pahl architects/Planners

Frank Preusser, Ph.D.frank Preusser and associates, inc.

Robert Silman, PE, Chairrobert silman and associates, P.C.

Suzanne Louise Turner, FASLAProfessor emerita of landscape architecturelouisiana state university

Norman Weiss, FAPTProfessor, Columbia university

PTT BoardNational Park Service Headquarters

Fran P. Mainella Director

Jan Matthews Associate Director, Cultural Resources

Jon C. Smith Assistant Associate Director, Heritage Preservation Assistance Programs

National Park ServiceU.S. Department of the Interior

National Center for Preservation Technology and Training645 University ParkwayNatchitoches, louisiana, 71457

official BusinessPenalty for Private Use, $300

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National Park Service

Permit No. G-83

NCPTT NotesIssue 45

Spring 2006

NCPTT Executive DirectorKirk A. Cordell

EditorJeff Guin

NCPTT Notes is published by the National Park Service’s National Center for Preservation Tech-nology and Training.

The purpose of this publication is to convey NCPTT’s Mission, which is to advance the use of science and technology in the field of historic preservation including ar-cheology, architecture, landscape architecture and materials conser-vation. The Center accomplishes its mission through training, education, research, technology transfer and partnerships.

The mail list for NCPTT Notes is subject to request under the Free-dom of Information Act. Persons or organizations not wanting to have mail list information dis-closed should unsubscribe.

Send comments to NCPTT Notes or submit articles or notices for consideration to [email protected] or call 318-356-7444.

NCPTT 2005 Annual Report

Documents

Transcript of NCPTT 2005 Annual Report