Greater Hudson Heritage Network

The Lower Hudson Conference of Historical Agencies (LHC) will create and present a professional training program targeted to museum professionals from over 165 historic house museums in the Hudson Valley and the New York metropolitan region. National and regional studies have demonstrated an urgent need for staff training in conservation and preservation techniques at historic house museums, many of which are staffed solely by volunteers. LHC will present a three-year "Practicum for Museum Professionals in 21st Century House Museums." Funding will support highly accessible, close-to-home workshops, lectures, and hands-on learning opportunities at various sites throughout the Hudson Valley. Both paid staff and volunteers will enhance their knowledge and skills in the management and care of historic house properties and surrounding landscapes and the preservation and interpretation of furnishings and other objects. The LHC Web site will be enhanced with new resources for historic house personnel.