2024 Conference Agenda

Need to register? See Conference Registration.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22

Conference Registration
2:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Fairfield Inn & Suites, Madison Historic Eagle Cotton Mill
108 St. Michaels Avenue, on-site parking available

Pre-Conference Workshops
Locations vary. Please see individual listings.

CAMP: Commission Assistance and Mentoring Program
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
History Center, 615 West First Street, on-site parking available
$30 pre-registration required. Lunch included

Discover how to increase the effectiveness of local preservation commissions and learn best practices drawn from throughout the country. The National Alliance of Preservation Commissions stages CAMP with a faculty of skilled preservation professionals.

Section 106 Training
9:00 am – 4:30 p.m.
Pre-registration required. Lunch on your own.
Jefferson County Public Library Auditorium, 420 West Main Street, Madison, on-site parking available

Indiana Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology staff offer basic instruction on the Section 106/Environmental Review process.  Participants will also review resources contained in the Indiana State Historic Architectural & Archaeological Research Database (SHAARD) and Indiana Historic Buildings, Bridges, and Cemeteries Map along with an overview of revised survey methodology that records post-World War II resources and the current status of the county survey program. Speakers: Cathy Draeger-Williams, Toni Lynn Giffin, Caitlin Lehman, Holly Tate, and Amy Ward, Indiana Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology

Preserving the Past: An Introduction to Historic Preservation
Noon – 4:00 p.m.
$70 pre-registration required. Offered by the Madison Campus of Ivy Tech Community College.
Lunch is not included.  Snacks and drinks provided.
St. Michael the Archangel Church, 519 East Third Street, on-site parking available

Preservation of historical sites and structures is crucial for maintaining cultural heritage and understanding our collective past. This comprehensive four-hour session hosted by Ivy Tech Community College includes lectures, case studies, interactive discussions, and a walking tour aimed to provide participants with a foundational understanding of historic preservation principles, practices, and significance.  Attendees will gain insights into the importance of preservation, key concepts, methodologies, and practical strategies for effective preservation efforts. The workshop is designed for a beginner to intermediate level. Speaker: Emily Tingle, Adjunct Faculty, Ivy Tech Community College-Madison

Exploring Accessible Design in Historic Buildings
Noon – 4:30 p.m.
$20 pre-registration required. Lunch included.
Madison Presbyterian Church, 202 Broadway Street, on-site parking available

Although accessible design is commonplace in new construction, providing equal access to and through historic buildings while respecting character and integrity can be challenging. This workshop explores those challenges and identifies resources available to property owners. Participants will also visit a historic property and develop an approach for assessing accessibility and identifying potential obstacles. Speaker: Jonathan Spodek, Professor of Architecture, Ball State University      

National Historic Landmarks: A Guide for Property Owners
7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Free and open to the public.
History Center, 615 West First Street, on-site parking available

David Calease, architectural historian for the National Park Service’s Midwest Regional Office presents a free program covering the differences between National Historic Landmark designation, listing in the National Register of Historic Places, and local historic district designation. Attendees will learn about resources for owners and architects, how to work on a historic property, and the cumulative effects of alterations within historic districts.Speaker: David Calease, Architectural Historian, National Park Service Midwest Regional Office                                                                                                              

Conference Kick-Off Reception
5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Fairfield Inn & Suites, Madison Historic Eagle Cotton
108 St. Michaels Avenue, on-site parking available

Enjoy reconnecting and networking at a casual reception hosted at a former 1884 industrial complex once included on Indiana Landmarks’ 10 Most Endangered list. Take in the $22 million transformation from the hotel courtyard. This event is open to registered conference attendees only. Reception sponsored by Bob Corum and Link Ludington

 

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23

Conference Registration
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Lobby, Clifty Inn, 1650 Clifty Hollow Road

Breakfast on Your Own
Explore Madison’s locally owned coffee shops and cafes for breakfast. 

Field Session: Barn Again!  Learning to Assess and Rehabilitate Heritage Barns
9:00 – 11:45 a.m.
$10 pre-registration required. Transportation on your own.
Beatty-Mouser Farm, 3323 West State Road 56, Hanover, on-site parking available.
Please note that this event requires a limited amount of walking on uneven ground. We regret that this session is not wheelchair accessible.

Understanding how to assess a heritage barn requires an understanding of its structural system, which can seem like a daunting task for a non-engineer. Join members of the Indiana Barn Foundation as they guide participants through this hands-on field session to become comfortable with prioritizing repair needs, identifying rehabilitation options, and understanding reuse plans for heritage barns. Speakers:  Duncan Campbell, Board Member, Indiana Barn Foundation; and Tommy Kleckner, Western Regional Office Director, Indiana Landmarks and Board Member, Indiana Barn Foundation

Educational Sessions
9:00 – 10:15 a.m.

Preservation Trades as Vocational Education in a High School Setting
Preservationists struggle to find qualified craftspeople to work on historic structures. In this session a former classroom teacher describes his work with a local school district to develop a vocational program in traditional trades. You’ll also hear from a high school senior at the Kentucky School for the Blind about his efforts to promote preservation trades and museum studies to the blind and visually impaired. Speakers: Jacob Domalewski, Owner, Cemetery Craftsman; and E.J. Holden, Student, Kentucky School for the Blind

Strategies for Successful Streetscape Projects
Discover how a comprehensive plan, a strong partnership between Main Street organizations and local government, and the use of façade grants and other financial incentives can ease the pains associated with a streetscape improvement project. Members of Heart of Jasper, a nonprofit Indiana Main Street organization, share their inside knowledge of relationship building and communication that kept Jasper’s Main Street businesses healthy during construction. Speakers:  Kate Schwenk, Director, Heart of Jasper; and Darla Blazey, Director of Administration and Strategic Initiatives at the Eskenazi Museum of Art and Heart of Jasper board member

Educational Sessions
10:30– 11:45 a.m.

Ready to Rehab?  Common Concerns with Historic Rehabilitation Projects
Join staff from the National Park Service for a review of tools to help guide your rehabilitation project and arm you with information needed for a positive outcome. Topics explore the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and Preservation Brief 16 addressing additions and substitute materials. Speakers: Jennifer Oeschger, Architectural Historian, Technical Preservation Division, National Park Service

PACE Yourself: Madison’s Rehabilitation Grant Program
Madison’s Preservation and Community Enhancement (PACE) Program promotes economic development by encouraging historic rehabilitation. Discover how the grants fund exterior rehabilitations for residential and commercial properties, assist with partial demolition of dilapidated structures, and work with the Office of Building and Design to remove dangerous buildings. Speakers: Honorable Bob Courtney, Mayor, City of Madison; and Tony Steinhardt, III, Director of Economic Development, City of Madison

Plenary and Luncheon: Madison Heritage Sampler
Noon – 1:45 p.m.
Clifty Inn, 1650 Clifty Hollow

With a National Historic Landmark district encompassing over 1,800 contributing structures and a period of significance reaching back to 1817, it would be impossible to address Madison’s rich heritage in just one hour. Following a welcome by Mayor Bob Courtney, experts on the city’s architecture, history, and preservation share a high-level overview to inspire your further explorations during the conference and beyond. Speakers:  Honorable Bob Courtney, Mayor, City of Madison; John Nyberg, Executive Director, Jefferson County Historical Society; John Stacier, President and Executive Director, Historic Madison, Inc.; and Jan Vethrus, Board President, Historic Eleutherian College

Educational Sessions
2:00 – 3:15 p.m.

Experiential Preservation: Leveraging Student Learning for Historic Preservation
Experiential learning allows students to gain hands-on experience to develop critical thinking and practical skills, while participating in community engagement. Learn how students from Ball State University’s Center for Historic Preservation participate in collaborative partnerships that provide downtown and neighborhood redevelopment plans, feasibility studies, architectural documentation, and community outreach. Speakers:  J. P. Hall, Associate Professor of Historic Preservation, Ball State University; and Abigail Chapman, Outreach and Organization Manager, Indiana Main Street, Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs

The Process of Preservation: Navigating Repair Projects and Limiting Risks
Prepare for a successful preservation project by knowing the primary stages of a rehabilitation, identifying potential risk, understanding the assessment and design phases, and knowing the roles of parties involved in bidding and construction. This session includes professional engineers who guide you through the process of diagnosing problems, designing long-lasting repairs, and identifying qualified contractors. Speakers:  Logan Cook, PE, Unit Manager and Associate Principal, Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associations, Inc; and Seth Lindley, PE, Associate III, Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.

Field Session: Two Centuries of Black Heritage in Madison
2:00 – 4:45 p.m.
Session and walking tour meets at the original Walnut Street Fire Company, No. 4, 808 Walnut Street. Street parking available.
Participants who do not wish to join the walking tour may attend the panel discussion only from 2:00-3:15.

Since the 1820s Madison’s Black community has been active in business, religion, education, arts, and politics. Discover the stories of resilient and exceptional residents, including strong connections to the Underground Railroad movement uncovered through recent research in tax records, deeds, directories, newspapers, and oral histories. Learn techniques for finding forgotten narratives in your community.

Following the panel discussion, join local historians for a walking tour of Madison’s historic Black community, Georgetown, settled as early as the1820s. During the approximately six-block walk, you’ll stop frequently to see the exteriors of homes and churches of residents who actively participated in the Underground Railroad. Georgetown is recognized as part of the National Park Service’s Underground Railroad to Freedom program for its heritage and architectural integrity. Speakers:  Sue Livers, Broadway Community Volunteer; and Jan Vetrhus, Board President, Historic Eleutherian College

Educational Sessions
3:30 – 4:45 p.m.

Unlocking Funding Opportunities: A Strategic Approach to Engaging Community Foundations for Historic Preservation
Grassroots preservation groups play a crucial role in maintaining the character of communities and improving the quality of life—an important part of community foundation work. This interactive and informative session offers participants valuable insights into successfully approaching community foundations for historic preservation funding. This session will leave you empowered to establish a meaningful connection with your community foundation, aligning missions to enhance community pride. Speaker: Amy Haacker, Vice President, Community Foundation Programs, Indiana Philanthropy Alliance

New Life for Main Street Buildings
In recent years, Madison has experienced a resurgence in successful Main Street downtown building rehabs completed by people with no professional real estate development experience. Enjoy a panel discussion with property owners who share what encouraged them to take on a neglected building, incentives that helped with the financing, and lessons learned–often through trial and error. This session is a companion to the afternoon Main Street loft tour Thursday afternoon (pre-registration required for the tour). Speakers:  Rebeccah Brown, Vice President of Global Regulatory Affairs, MiMedx; Matt Chandler, Owner, Chandler Hotel; and Brantly and Katie Beck, Owners, SwellStay

Eagle Cotton Mill Tours
5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Meet near the conference registration desk in the hotel lobby

Join representatives of the redevelopment team for a behind-the-scenes look at an award-winning transformation. Learn how a consortium of partners including Riverton LLC, the City of Madison, and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation created an amenity designed to boost the entire region. Today the Eagle Cotton Mill is a regional destination for tourists and conference groups and an economic powerhouse in Madison’s National Historic Landmark District.

Dinner & Plenary Session: From Eyesore to Asset: Rehabbing Vacant Industrial Buildings
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
As you stroll through Madison’s Fairfield Inn & Suites, opened in 2021 as a boutique hotel and conference center, it’s hard to imagine that the 1884 industrial Eagle Cotton Mill complex spent decades as a blighted structure, included on Indiana Landmarks’ 10 Most Endangered list in 2013. Similarly, the city’s 1884 Tower Manufacturing Company building, known as the Tack Factory, closed in 2007 after 111 years in business. Today, the restored landmark is known as Riverside Tower Lofts, adapted for affordable senior housing.

Tonight’s speakers take us on a journey that recalls creative funding, dedicated collaborations, and vision that turned eyesores into community assets. Speakers:  Ron Bateman, Architect and Developer; and Clayton Pace, President of Development, Partner, Denton Floyd Real Estate Group.

Session sponsored by Ron and Marlene Bateman

After Hours: Preservation Hop
8:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Music line-up to be announced.
Live like a local! As a special take on Madison’s popular MadHop Music Festival, conference-goers can hit the streets after dinner, “hopping” back and forth between some of Madison’s best bars and nightspots to hear a wide range of local and regional musicians. Pick one place and stay a while or sample multiple offerings. There’ll be something for everyone, including a location for the under-21 audience. Madison is Indiana’s Music City—and the Preservation Hop will show you why!

Sponsored by the Madison Music Movement (M3) and the Wallis Family Fund.

 

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24

Conference Registration
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Lobby, Fairfield Inn & Suites, Historic Eagle Cotton Mill, 108 St. Michaels Avenue

Breakfast on Your Own
Explore Madison’s locally owned coffee shops and cafes for breakfast.

Plenary Session: Making Main Street
9:00 – 10:15 a.m.
In 1979, Mary Means led a revolution in downtown revitalization through the National Trust’s Main Street Center. The “Main Street Approach,” focused on coordinated organization, promotion, design, and economic vitality to rejuvenate historic downtowns struggling to compete against shopping malls. To demonstrate the program’s potential, the center chose three pilot communities, including Madison. Tom Moriarity launched the Madison program, going on to work with Means at the national level and becoming a leader in retail development. Today’s session includes a discussion of Main Street’s evolution since 1979 and its future trajectory. Speakers:  Mary Means, Main Street Consultant; and Tom Moriarity, Managing Principal, Retail & Development Strategies

Educational Sessions
10:45 a.m. – Noon

Historic Dam Documentation and Removal: Lessons Learned from the Field
During the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Indiana’s commerce and industry grew through the aid of dammed waterways. But by the twenty-first century, obsolete dams required removal due to public safety concerns such as failing and breaching, presenting obstacles to fish passageways, and interfering with the health of the waterways. Learn about the process of handling regulatory requirements while preserving the history and significance of these important artifacts, and looking toward the next decade of dam removal. Speakers: James L. Ingermann Heimlich, Historian/Archaeologist, Ecosystems Connections Institute; Cathy Draeger-Williams, Archaeologist, Indiana Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology.

Engaging Artists in Creating Cultural Districts
Cultural districts are major social and economic drivers in communities, serving as catalysts for local development and attracting creative minds. Creating a great cultural district takes creativity and planning–a process best led by artists. This session discusses strategies for engaging artists–who often don’t consider themselves community leaders–and encouraging them to work with planners, government, and nonprofits to effectively build relationships that create a cultural district oriented toward novelty, experimentation, and inclusion. Speakers:  Michael W-P. Fortunato, Founding Partner, Creative Insight Community Development; Kimberly Nyberg, Executive Director, Madison Area Arts Alliance; and David Terrell, Executive Director, Indiana Communities Institute

The Enduring Legacy of Architect Francis Costigan
Known as one of Indiana’s most prominent architects, Francis Costigan arrived in Madison in 1837 and continued his work in Indianapolis until his death in 1865. Among his Madison designs are the Lanier Mansion State Historic Site and the Shrewsbury-Windle House, both National Historic Landmarks. This session delves into the impact of New York architect Minard Lafever and his Greek Revival pattern books on Indiana architecture and reveals structures recently attributed to Costigan through new research. Speakers: James DeGrazia, Architect; Benjamin L. Ross, Preservation Specialist, RATIO Architects; and Link Ludington, President, Cornerstone Society, Inc.

Lunch on Your Own
Noon – 1:45 p.m.
Refer to the handout in your tote bag for a list of restaurants and food truck locations.

Plenary Session: Changing Real Estate Economics and Preservation
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
The traditional metrics for explaining the economics of preservation are changing as new ways to quantify benefits emerge.  Real estate financing, patterns in property values and links to environmental measures are changing how we view older properties as real estate investments and broaden how preservation is understood and helps to reach additional audiences. Explore where we’ve been, new ways to consider preservation as a community benefit, and innovative tools that expand the preservation movement’s value and significance. Speaker:  Tom Moriarity, Managing Principal, Retail & Development Strategies

Educational Sessions
3:30 – 4:45 p.m.

State Resources for Preservation Projects
This session explores the frequently asked question, “How do we fund our project?”  Representatives from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority, and Indiana Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology guide attendees through a range of funding strategies provided by the State of Indiana. Speakers: Jarrad Holbrook, Southeast Community Liaison, Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs; Samantha Spergel, Director of Real Estate Strategic Initiatives and Engagement, Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority; and Ashley Thomas, Historic Architecture Specialist, Indiana Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology

Using Augmented and Virtual Reality for Community Engagement
Join experts in modern preservation technology for case studies that illustrate how three-dimensional scanning contributes to the interpretation and preservation of historic places and artifacts while augmented reality (AR) brings an archaeological dig to life. Learn practical applications for both technologies that engage audiences by connecting them to history, culture, and the environment. Speakers:  Rachel Sharkey, Director of Public Archaeology, Archaeological Research Institute; Sammy Norris, Director of Programming, Archaeological Research Institute; Hilary Fleck, Curator, Monroe County History Center; and Jenny Johnson, Director of Operations, ZNYTH Technologies

Building Grassroots Capacity to Uncover and Document Black Heritage
Within the first year of Indiana Landmarks’ Black Heritage Preservation Program (BHPP), ten new groups began documenting and preserving Indiana’s historic Black culture. Members from a group in Fort Wayne join Eunice Trotter, director of BHPP, to discuss the challenges of establishing successful Black heritage organizations and effective ways to partner with existing preservation groups. Speakers:  Eunice Trotter, Black Heritage Preservation Program Director, Indiana Landmarks; Connie Haas-Zuber, Retired Executive Director, ARCH, Inc.; and Roberta Ridley, Chair, Fort Wayne Black Heritage Preservation Program

Downtown Is Looking Up! Main Street’s Loft Tour
3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Self-guided walking tour with map provided. Pre-registration required.
Note: We regret that these sites are not ADA compliant. The Tack Factory, Chandler Hotel, and SwellStay will be illustrated during the education session “New Life for Main Street Buildings” on Wednesday.

Putting long-vacant upper stories back to use makes good economic sense and meets the demand for downtown housing. Go at your own pace on this self-guided walking tour featuring the owner’s suite at the Chandler Hotel, market-rate apartments at the formerly endangered Elks Lodge, senior housing in the converted Tack Factory, and a stunning residence and short-term lodging in SwellStay, featured on the Magnolia Network.

Madison Mansion Tour
5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
On your way to the conference’s evening reception at Crystal Beach, tour two of Madison’s magnificent nineteenth-century homes: the Shrewsbury-Windle House, operated by Historic Madison, Inc., and the Lanier Mansion, an Indiana State Museum Historic Site. Both designed in the 1840s by Francis Costigan, each home features exquisite spiral staircases, painstakingly restored interiors, and Greek Revival details. Learn about the homes’ former owners and the restoration projects that make these unforgettable properties must-see Madison attractions.

Evening at Crystal Beach
6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
400 W. Vaughn Drive

It’s a beach party, but you won’t get sand in your shoes. Join fellow conference attendees for a relaxed evening of conversation, food, and music at the City of Madison’s restored Crystal Beach Aquatic Park & Hunter Hall. Built in 1938 by Works Progress Administration workers, the Crystal Beach pool and two-story Craftsman bath house, constructed of rough-cut stone salvaged from the foundation of a nearby mill, has been enjoyed by generations of Madisonians. A recent rehabilitation of the swimming pool preserved its “seashore” design while adding family-friendly amenities.

Rainbow River Club Reception
8:00 – 9:30 p.m.
Alcorn, Sage, Schwartz & Magrath, LLP, 1 West 6th Street, on-site parking available

All are invited to join Madison’s Rainbow River Club for a dessert after-party at the award-winning historic 1820s Alcorn Sage Schwartz & Magrath Law Office, housed in a two-story restored wagon wheel spoke factory. The Rainbow River Club is a monthly social gathering of the LGBTQ+ community and friends, hosted by Main Street businesses and local residents committed to a welcoming and inclusive community. Enjoy sweet treats and beverages in a breath-taking setting. Original exposed support timbers combine with a masterful mix of light and open space, making the site one of the most beautiful gathering places in town.

Sponsored by Alcorn Sage Schwartz & Magrath LLP

 

Friday, October 25

Plenary Session: The Design Legacy of Hanover College
9:00 – 10:15 a.m.
Fitzgibbon Recital Hall, Lynn Center for Fine Arts, Hanover College
Look for conference parking signs.

As Indiana’s oldest four-year college, Hanover celebrates an important academic heritage.  Few people realize that the idyllic architecture on a bluff overlooking the Ohio River is the work of one of America’s preeminent twentieth century collegiate architects. From the late 1930s-40s, J. Frederick Larson designed eight buildings and a campus plan for this small liberal arts college. Among Larson’s other campus designs are Dartmouth, Princeton, University of Louisville, and Wabash College in Crawfordsville.

During our final plenary learn about Larson’s designs for Hanover, the campus’s landscape planned by Dan Kiley, and an unbuilt fraternity house designed by none other than Frank Lloyd Wright.

Speakers: Megan Phillippe, AIA, Assistant Teaching Professor of Landscape Architecture and Architecture, Ball State University; Ken Prince, Retired Registrar and Associate Professor of English/Theatre, Hanover College; and Jennifer Duplaga, Archives and Public Services Librarian, Hanover College

Field Session: Using Tree-Ring Science to Date Indiana’s Historic Buildings
10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Science Center, Room 202, Hanover College
Pre-registration required.

Step into the Hanover College biology lab for a hands-on exploration of dendrochronology—the science of using tree-ring patterns to date buildings. During this field session, discover how tree-ring dating enhances interpretation, management, and preservation. Case studies from Madison, including those highlighting the area’s Black heritage, demonstrate the science’s utility and limitations. Speakers:  Darrin Rubino, Biology Professor, Hanover College; Christopher Baas, Landscape Architecture Professor, Ball State University; and J.P. Hall, Associate Professor of Historic Preservation, Ball State University

Hanover College Walking Tour
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Tour leaves from the front of Lynn Center for the Fine Arts and includes walking approximately 1 mile over flat terrain with frequent stops.

Get an up-close look at Hanover’s Frederick Larson-designed architecture along with new construction inspired by the Georgian Revival style.  Learn about the campus’s efforts to rehabilitate Parker Auditorium and see the conversion of a historic gym into housing.  No trip to Hanover would be complete without the magnificent view of the Ohio River from the Point.

Hanover Home Tour
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Look for tour signs in the 200-300 block of Main Street. Street parking available.

On Hanover’s Main Street, Indiana Landmarks is part of a rehabilitation ripple effect that’s prompted investment in three previously neglected historic homes, fueling transformations that merit a double-take. Begin at the Hanover Presbyterian Church for a brief overview of the projects, followed by a self-guided tour including home interiors showcasing collaborations between private owners, the town of Hanover, and Hanover College that demonstrate preservation as a community revitalization tool. We regret that the tour homes are not wheelchair accessible.

#######