Conservation Work with a Mission: Heritage Conservation Network Offers a Volunteer Vacation in Mexico

The historic missions of Mexico have become the focus of an international preservation movement that will be sending assistance in the form of a group of volunteers attending Heritage Conservation Network's September 2003 workshop at San Francisco de Borja Mission in the state of Chihuahua.

One of the most striking elements of the rural Mexican landscape are the whitewashed missions rising from the high plains of Chihuahua. Built during the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries by Franciscan and Jesuit missionaries, they have become the center of the religious and social fabric of their communities. The missions have also become the focus of an international preservation movement that will be sending assistance in the form of a group of volunteers attending Heritage Conservation Network's September 2003 workshop at San Francisco de Borja Mission.

Working under the guidance of expert conservators, workshop participants will begin the process of revitalizing the structure by repairing and replastering the adobe walls as well as reversing some previous, but inappropriate, repair work. Participants may also work at Santa Rosalía Mission. This will be the first of a series of workshops held in the region in conjunction with Misiones Coloniales de Chihuahua, a local non-profit organization established to help local residents preserve their historic missions.

HCN workshops bring people and preservation projects together, providing valuable assistance in exchange for the opportunity to learn new skills, meet new people, and work toward a common goal. "Our workshops appeal to people on many levels and consequently we usually attract a very good mix of participants," says Jamie Donahoe, HCN's Operations Director. "In Mexico, for example, we anticipate that some participants will be drawn by the history and beauty of the missions themselves, while others come simply because they enjoy pitching in for a good cause. In addition, instruction will be in both English and Spanish, making this a good opportunity for people who enjoy speaking in a second language."

The workshop will be held Sept 21 - 27, 2003. Participants will be housed with local residents in the vicinity of the mission. The cost for the week-long workshop is $875 per person and includes lodging, meals, insurance, project materials and transportation from Chihuahua to the workshop site. Transportation to the city of Chihuahua is not included. Full program details and registration information are available from HCN's website at www.heritageconservation.net.

Heritage Conservation Network organizes an annual series of hands-on building conservation workshops. Other workshops offered in 2003 include working at Hulihe'e Palace in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, a stone chapel at a farm in Sicily, and a 19th century mill in rural New Jersey. More information is available from www.heritageconservation.net or from the HCN office, 1557 North Street, Boulder, Colorado 80304, USA, +1 303 444 0128.

Heritage Conservation Network is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of architectural heritage around the world. Through a network of experts, volunteers and community members, the organization aims to increase awareness of the significance of historic sites and stimulate each community's interest in and knowledge of appropriate conservation skills, thus helping to provide for the long-term preservation of significant structures and sites.

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