Historic Preservation Program
Bucks County Community College
Newtown, Pennsylvania
Historic Preservation
Bucks County, Pennsylvania, has a built environment which extends back for
more than 300 years. This heritage is found in historic downtowns, in small
villages, and in the rural landscape, which give the county its distinctive identity
and sense of place. Such a fragile and finite legacy requires enlightened citizens
who wish to preserve the integrity of our man-made environment. In 1991, Bucks
County Community College formally joined this interest in historic preservation
by implementing a two-year Historic Presevation Certificate Program to help
residents document, evaluate, and protect their architectural heritage.
The Certificate Program is designed to serve as an important educational link
between the amateur's interests and formal academic degrees. Local preservation
concerns are recognized and integrated into the Program. Home owners,
community planners, developers, realtors, members of Historic Architectural
Review Boards, Historic Commissions, Zoning Commissions, Certified Local
Governments and local conservancies are invited to participate in this unique
program.
Curriculum
The Certificate Program integrates the theory and practice of historic preservation
through course work and Internship and requires the completion of twenty-four
semester credits. Three courses (nine credits) are required:
- History and Theory of Historic Preservation (HIS 197)
- History of American Architecture (HIS 198)
- Methodology and Documentation (HIS 199)
Four electives can be selected from the following courses:
- Oral History in Preservation (HIS 204)
- Introduction to Historical Archaeology I (HIS 195)
- Material Culture in Historic Preservation (HIS 200)
- Building Conservation (HIS201)
- Law, Taxes and Zoning for Historic Preservation (HIS 202)
A three credit internship is required. Internships are undertaken in county/local
organizations or as a specific research project. Students must take twenty-one
credits in the Certificate Program before the internship is begun. In order to
receive a Certificate in Historic PreseNation, twenty-four credits must be
successfully completed in the program. Students may choose to take individual
courses as they are offered or enroll in the courses necessary for the Certificate.
The Social and Behavioral Science Department administers this unique program.
Brian Murphy (right), A course instructor, showing a student the pattern and detailing of mortar joints
Sequence of Course Offerings
Spring, 1994
- Methodology and Documentation in Historic Preservation (HIS 199)
- Introduction to Historical Archaeology I (HIS 195)
Fall, 1994
- Oral History in Preservation (HIS 204)
- Material Culture in Historic Preservation (HIS 200)
Spring, 1995
- Building Conservation (HIS 201)
- Law, Taxes and Zoning for Histork Preservation (HIS 202)
Fall,1995
- History and Theory of Historic Preservation (HIS 197)
- History of American Architecture (HIS 198)
Spring, 1996
- Methodology and Documentation in Historic Preservation (HIS 199)
- Introduction to Historical Archaeology I (HIS 195)
Fall, 1996
- Oral History in Preservation (HIS 204)
- Material Culture in Historic Preservation (HIS 200)
All of these courses will be offered in evening sessions at the college main
campus. Students from Montgomery and Philadelphia counties can obtain a
"sharing form" so they do not have to pay out-of-county fees.
Collateral Instruction
A Preservation Forum lecture series will be offered throughout the year to focus
on timely preservation themes. Special workshops and tours will also be arranged
to meet local preservation needs and interests.
For more information on this program call or write:
Lyle L. Rosenberger
Director, Historic Preservation Certificate Program
Social and Behavioral Science Department
Bucks County Community College, Newtown, PA 18940
(215) 968-8270
PROGRAM FOCUS : Preservation
Education in the Community, The Bucks Experience
The certificate program holds membership in the National Trust for
Historic Preservation, The Preservation Fund of Pennsylvania, The
National Council of Preservation Education, and The American
Association for State and Local History.
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