All homes require maintenance, and older homes especially so. And the already challenging task of identifying needed repairs and updates and finding and managing qualified contractors gains an extra level of complexity when a home has been designated as historic by a state or municipal governing body.
Preservation New Jersey, a statewide nonprofit based in Trenton, offers assistance in navigating the renovation process with a free workshop, “Homeowner’s Guide to Historic Preservation,” on Saturday, September 20, from 10 a.m. to noon. The event intended for homeowners and historic preservation commissioners takes place in Cranbury. For more information or to register visit preservationnj.org/event/preservation-materials-homeowners.
This workshop is designed to offer education on the proper care, maintenance, and repair of historic homes using preservation-appropriate materials and techniques. The guest speaker is Margaret M. Hickey of Cranford-based Connolly & Hickey Historical Architects, which specializes in the restoration and rehabilitation of historic properties. Hickey earned her bachelor of architecture degree from the New Jersey Institute of Technology and a master of science in historic preservation from Columbia University. She previously served as a program officer at the New Jersey Historic Trust.
According to event descriptions online, participants learn how to identify original building elements and select materials that match the character and integrity of their homes.
Key topics include wood repair and window restoration; masonry care and repointing with historically appropriate mortar; roofing material selection; and the use of breathable paints and finishes. The program emphasizes the importance of repair over replacement and guides attendees in recognizing the long-term value of preserving original materials. Participants will be provided with case studies and information on resources to assist in informed decision-making.
The program, presented in partnership with the Cranbury Historical & Preservation Society, Cranbury Museum, and Middlesex County, also includes light refreshments and a tour of 1713 East Jersey Cottage.
The 18th century house was relocated to Millstone Park in 2019 and has ties to the American Revolution and Cranbury’s earliest families. Its restoration is also the subject of an exhibit at the Cranbury Museum, located in a renovated 1834 home at 4 Park Place East in Cranbury. The museum is open Sundays from to 4 p.m. and highlights the legacy of Cranbury’s early residents.
