As we celebrate National Preservation Month, it’s important to spread awareness of historic preservation trades and their value towards local communities and beyond. Historic preservation requires the careful monitoring and maintenance of buildings, artworks, and architectural details to ensure their historical integrity and meaning endure over time. It’s vital to continue the work of historic preservation, as it protects local identities and fosters a space for authenticity.
As a national leader in historic preservation, Canning specializes in traditional craftsmanship and innovative techniques to ensure every detail is tailored to each project’s needs. With nearly 50 years of experience, we have continuously perfected our craft, techniques, and methods to ensure high-quality work is always provided. Some services we specialize in are decorative painting & finishes, stone conservation, wood conservation, plaster restoration & stabilization, architectural & exterior gilding, and we also provide consulting services like planning & design, historic paint analysis, plaster conditions survey, etc. With the unique craftsmanship and knowledge required to accurately preserve and restore historic buildings, it’s important to understand the trades and craftsmanship involved in this line of work.
With rapid modernization, preservation trades serve as a bridge between the past and present. In the preservation world, skills like decorative plaster work, gilding, mural conservation, and historic wood finishing aren’t just about aesthetics, they honor the integrity and intention of original artisans. Whether we’re restoring a gilded dome or replicating a historic stencil, each project is a collaborative effort between artists, craftsmen, and project leaders with the end goal of preserving history, architecture, and art. This dedication preserves historic spaces not only for their visual elements, but also to maintain their heritage that continues to inspire, educate, and connect people to their cultural identity.
During any project, we consider ourselves stewards of the building, albeit for a short period of time, and take every step of the project very seriously. One of our first projects, the restoration of Battell Chapel at Yale University, completed in 1978, is one of the earliest historic preservation projects in Connecticut.
(Left) Battell Chapel during restoration (Right) After restoration
For nearly 5 decades, we have preserved many historic buildings from institutions to civic spaces. In 2024, we finished one of many restoration projects we have worked on for the Michigan State Capitol, focusing on decorative paint conservation in the Rotunda and dome. Each level of the Rotunda was filled with historic architectural features, murals, and decorative panels requiring detailed conservation treatments to preserve and enhance the original elements.
Some of the before conditions in the Rotunda
Throughout the project, we were assessing, documenting, using architectural drawings, annotating documented photographs, and analyzing environmental factors to implement tailored conservation treatments for the condition of each component. During which, decorative paint conservation, architectural gilding, and plaster repairs were performed for this restoration.
The Michigan State Capitol Rotunda and dome after restoration. Photo Credit © Dave Thompson.
With our “do no harm” philosophy rooted in the American Institute for Conservation (AIC) code of ethics, almost 50 years of historic preservation experience, and genuine appreciation and respect for the longevity of artistic and cultural heritage, Canning embodies the skills needed to work with such valuable structures.
The question, “people still do that?” has been echoed many times throughout Canning’s experience in preservation trades. A division of Canning, Canning Liturgical Arts (CLA), has introduced a series of articles in their newsletter exploring the topic, “People Still Do That?” Offering a behind-the-scenes look at the skilled artisans, historic techniques, and enduring traditions that continue to shape the field of preservation today. Learn more in CLA’s article, “People Still Do That?: A Window Into the World of Preservation.” Where preservation trades and related roles are brought to light, explaining the uniting work being done by skilled craftsmen, artists, and preservationists. Even with post-modern architecture rapidly expanding throughout America, the old-world touches are still possible and thriving today. Click here if interested in being on the CLA newsletter list as well.
With decades of historic preservation experience, we aim to spread awareness and education for those interested in preserving historic spaces or who are curious about the craftsmanship involved. This summer, Smithsonian’s annual Folklife Festival promoting traditional building trades is from July 2-5th, held at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The festival celebrates cultural traditions from around the world through music, art, food, and storytelling, highlighting the importance of traditional skills in today’s world. This year’s festival theme is “Youth and the Future of Culture,” aiming to increase public awareness of the craftsmanship trades within traditional building arts. Canning will be featured for preservation trades and craftsmanship.
As the world keeps evolving, historic preservation is a one-of-a-kind trade that helps communities hold onto cultural heritage and artistic legacy. Spreading awareness, education, and information is significant for maintaining historic spaces and their impact on the surrounding communities. So make sure you take time to pause, observe, and appreciate the buildings around you and the craftsmanship that went into them. Canning encourages everyone to recognize the importance of preservation, as you may pass by a Historic Landmark every day, and not even know it.
