The Misia Leonard Scholarship Application Deadline Is Almost Here!

Click To Apply

There are only a few days left for all preservation trades students and apprentices to apply for the Misia Leonard Scholarship to attend this year's International Preservation Trades Workshop  September 11th through 13th at Historic Fort Snelling, St. Paul, Minnesota.

Apply by this Saturday, June 21st to join professionals of every preservation trade and other trade adjacent fields, of all ages and experience levels, teaching, learning, discussing philosophies and strategies, and enjoying each others' company and influence at the oldest preservation trades conference of its kind.

All Misia Leonard Scholarship Recipients will receive travel assistance of up to $1,000 to attend IPTW.

For more information, go to Misia Leonard Scholarship today!

Click To Apply

Misia Leonard Scholarship

As we prepare for this year’s IPTW at Historic Fort Snelling in St. Paul, Minnesota, September 11^th - 13^th, Preservation Trades Network is excited to share the experiences of each of our 2024 recipients who attended last year's IPTW in Savannah, Georgia. The Misia Leonard Scholarship provides financial assistance to individuals eager to immerse themselves in the world of traditional building trades. These firsthand accounts offer a glimpse into the valuable learning and networking opportunities the IPTW provides. For students, apprentices, and emerging professionals passionate about preservation, we encourage you to explore this opportunity and consider applying for the 2025 Misia Leonard Scholarship to attend IPTW 2025 and join in the learning!

For more information on Misia Leonard, and to apply for the scholarship --

 CLICK HERE

Recipient Spotlight

Amy Perl

Attending this year’s IPTW was such a wonderful experience! It only happened because I was lucky enough to be selected for the Misia Leonard scholarship, which I was lucky enough to find out about and apply to at the 11th hour. But, as with many things on this journey, I feel like it was meant to be.

I attended IPTW and the memories I made there really stand out.

I am an eclectic soul. One lifetime is not enough time to explore all that I am interested in knowing and doing and seeing, but I’m giving it my best shot. This is why attending IPTW held such appeal. To be able, in one place, to learn about such a wide range of trades and materials was so special.

I was fascinated to hear Innes Drummond talk about stone and hear so many similarities to how my teacher talked about wood… how it has a “grain” (bedding plain) and when freshly quarried emits a “sap” and how when you begin working with it, pretty quickly you can feel how well it is going to cooperate with you. I got to try my hand at it and, like with all trades, you quickly recognize the skill it takes to make it look easy.

Jane Griswold Radocchia’s presentation on daisy wheels was not only an interesting lesson in the history of geometry in the building process, but also allowed the fun, hands-on exercise of creating our own daisy wheels. Talking about cubits and understanding how craftsman could use it to “speak the same language” gave me a better understanding of the methods our predecessors used to create structures of such beauty and strength.

I was thankful to have two presentations in stained glass to enjoy. In Melanie Hendrix’s session I was happy to have my first exposure to the copper foil method of making stained glass. I look forward to trying my hand at this method. I also appreciated getting to know Melanie and hear about the journey she and her husband have been on literally building their own home. It made me feel a little bit braver at the prospect of finding my own major renovation project.

It was a joy to see Rhonda Deeg and hear her presentation on restoring leaded windows. Rhonda is “my” teacher, as she is the master who teaches stained glass at Bob Yapp’s school, so I’d had the pleasure of learning from her twice before. Rhonda is the magical trifecta of being a kind and knowledgeable teacher, an experienced businesswoman with respect and love for the work she does and the glass she works on, as well as bringing the perfect combination of confidence and down-to-earth openness to her work and relationships. I am so lucky to have met Rhonda!

I learned so much from Michiel Broun’s demonstration on linseed oil paint! Being interested in traditional materials and methods, I had heard of linseed oil paint, but didn’t really know much about it and certainly had never used it before. Michiel’s captivating presentation was packed full of information on the history of this paint, the components of linseed oil paint and primer, the manufacturing methods, proper application, when not to use linseed oil paint, proper tools and cleanup, and best practices for paint maintenance. I even got to paint part of a sash for myself and see the amazing coverage you get! I couldn’t wait to get my hands on his book to learn even more about it!

I can’t end without giving a nod to Mae Bowley, the keynote speaker at the conference. Her enthusiasm and passion for the topic of deconstruction, salvage, and reuse was inspiring! We learned about the history of deconstruction, the environmental impacts of our current destructive practices, how we as individuals could help this movement in our own towns, and what progress has been made. I also got some great book references, which always makes me happy. I am so thankful people like Mae are out there fighting the good fight and educating people, but we all have a responsibility to do our part. Being in a group of people who share the same love of preservation and feel the same passion for saving our history and these unbelievably valuable materials was moving and made me feel like part of something bigger.

There are so many presenters and vendors I also spent time with that I haven’t even mentioned yet… timber framing, hardware restoration, decorative plaster, wood stains, window restoration, the list goes on.

I often say to people that the smartest thing I ever did was go into the trades. As someone with multiple liberal arts degrees, I had always had what you might call a “traditional” view toward who goes into the trades. Now that I have entered the trades myself, and particularly this wonderful historic preservation niche, I am so grateful. I have found a second family of kind and knowledgeable people who I know would be happy to help me with questions or offer encouragement whenever I need it. Knowing I am part of a group of people who value the same things I value makes my world a brighter place. Thank you so much, PTN, for awarding me this scholarship and making this experience possible!

Nominations are Open for the 2025 Askins Achievement Award

Nominations for the 2025 Askins Achievement Award are now being accepted and may be submitted until April 1, 2025. The Askins Achievement Award is named in honor of James S. (Jim) Askins, founder of the National Park Service Historic Preservation Training Center and recognizes contributions over and above the noteworthy. The award criteria include contributions to the preservation trades for

• Continuance of traditional building skills

• Advocacy of training in preservation trades

• Practicing a building trade at master level of skill and knowledge

• Extraordinary effort given to advancing the awareness of traditional building trade skills and knowledge.

To learn about the Askins Award and read about previous recipients visit the PTN website HERE .

You do not have to be a member of PTN to make a nomination for the Askins Achievement Award. Nominations from previous years may be resubmitted and are encouraged. Nomination forms and award guidelines can be viewed below. The 2025 Askins Achievement award will be presented at 2025 IPTW.

submit Nomination HERE 

Guidelines and Nomination Procedure for the Askins Achievement Award

• Achievement Award recipients do not have to be members of Preservation Trades Network.

• Nominators for the Askins Achievement Award do not have to be members of the Preservation Trades Network, and they do not have to be Award Recipients.
• Recipients of the Askins Achievement Award are the group that administers the award and selects future recipients.
• The award was established to be distinct from and separate from the Preservation Trades Network Board of Directors.
• The permanent award plaque listing previous winners is owned by the National Park Service Historic Preservation Training Center and shall be displayed and kept up to date by the HPTC at the HPTC Headquarters at Gambrill House, Frederick, MD.  The Logo is loaned to PTN for use on the individual Award Plaque given to each year’s winner.
• A recipient selected by the others shall take on the administration of the award on behalf of the Askins Achievement Award group.
• The new recipient shall be contacted to ensure that the plaque is created in the manner desired by the recipient. 
• The criteria for the Askins Achievement Award are stated in the nomination form.
• The Askins Achievement Award group shall solicit nominations from the Preservation Trades Community at large.  
• The Askins Achievement Award group shall have the right by majority vote to approve or disapprove use of the Award for marketing or promotion by the Preservation Trades Network Board of Directors.
• The Askins Award Recipient shall have a nominator who has provided a written nomination form and is willing to introduce the recipient.
• Announcement of the Askins Award Recipient shall be published in the PTN Newsletter and other media after the International Preservation Trades Workshop.  
• Announcement of the Askins Award Recipient before the International Preservation Trades Workshop is subject to a majority vote of the recipients.
• The business of the Askins Achievement Award group may be conducted by conference call, direct meeting, or email.  A quorum to conduct the business of the group shall be a majority of the recipients.
• Nominations stand for one year.  The nomination may re-submitted.

Past Askins Achievement Award Recipients

2024 - Rob Cagnetta

2023 - Moss Rudley

2022 - Marjorie Hunt

2021 - Will Beemer

2020 - Bill Hole

2019 - Jane Wooley

2018 - Patrick Kennedy

2017 - James Turner

2016 - Carol Heidschuster

2015 - David Hayles

2014 - David R. Mertz

2013 - Duffy Hoffman 

2012 - Simeon Warren 

2011 - Dominic DeRubis

2010 - Neil Rippingale

2009 - Robert Adam

2008 - David Gibney

2007 - Dr. Gerard C.J. Lynch

2006 - Earl Barthé 

2005 - Joseph Jenkins 

2004 - John William Laing 

2003 - Jimmy Price 

2002 - Bill Gichner 

2001 - Lisa Sasser 

2000 - Rudy R. Christian 

1999 - John Fugelso 

1998 - James S. (Jim) Askins

Call For Directors

It’s time for another opportunity to make PTn work for us all

Board membership with Preservation Trades Network is a great way to promote the preservation trades and gain knowledge and experience managing a non-profit organization. See the link to apply followed by the criteria below:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfA77TT0FgYyHIG0popyBKtY5gi4vFLcBYyMeq9z6A2Oaxq-A/viewform

Application deadline: Dec 28, 2024

What’s expected of Board Members?

• Be an active PTN member in good standing or become one;

• Commit to a 3-year Board Term;

• Attend a monthly virtual Board Meeting on the third Thursday at 7 pm EST;

• Participate in one Committee;

• Contribute at least one hour per week to board work in addition to board and committee meetings;

• Attend the annual Face to Face Board Meeting;

• Plan and attend the International Preservation Trades Workshop;

• Have a basic familiarity with the internet and software functions;

• Use assigned @ptn.org gmail account and respond to communications in a timely and professional manner; 

• Act as an official ambassador of and liaison for the Preservation Trades Network; and

• Agree to and abide by the PTN Code of Ethics.

Additionally, the Board of Directors is looking for people with skills or interest in learning any of the following:

• Google Workspace for Nonprofits

• Wild Apricot Member and Website Management

• QuickBooks Online and budgeting

• Design software like Canva or Photoshop

• Communications and communications tools like eblasts, newsletters, website maintenance, and social media

• Project management and event planning

Qualified applicants will be invited to a brief meeting with the current Board of Directors to ask questions about serving on the Board. 

We Look Forward To Hearing From You Soon!

Dr Gerard Lynch, Historic Brickwork Consultant, Master Brick Mason

21 May 2010

There are many highly skilled, knowledgeable and skilled craftsmen and women who have years of proven experience working on a variety of buildings who have a great deal to share with fellow practitioners, young people wondering about their future career pathway, architects, architectural historians, surveyors, planners, etc, keen to acquire a greater awareness of a craft its’ tools, materials and techniques, as well as members of a fascinated public who are simply delighted to find that such skills there are still being practised.

Most working within the arena of the repair and restoration of traditionally constructed buildings, are keen to meet up with fellow craftsmen and women from their own and allied crafts within PTN, and express a willingness to assist, in some small way, passing on aspects of their skills, knowledge and experience to others who are keen to learn. Few, however, will have the natural confidence to volunteer to take the plunge to stand up in front of a group and take a class, or lead part of a ‘workshop’. That is perfectly understandable, as most are naturally humble about their own abilities and achievements, and fully aware that, throughout time, not all gifted craftsmen could teach. The writer would suggest, however, a great number who do feel a ‘calling’ to begin, in some small, to teach by way of taking a lead part in practical demonstrations, but are shy of committing themselves, are, with targeted guidance and support, from those within PTN of proven successful experience, usually very capable of doing so.

Encouraging PTN Members to Consider Demonstrating

There will be an understandable shyness for a craftsman or women when, having felt a desire to share skills, knowledge, experience and their enthusiasm, considering putting their name forward to be a demonstrator. Yet, they should bear in mind that all of those fellow PTN members who they see putting on well-planned, informative and engaging demonstrations, were themselves once novices within this arena; and equally as hesitant and nervous too. So, these people must be collectively encouraged and supported, especially by those of us members with proven experience in demonstrating, to assist them to get past their natural reserve and enable them to gain the confidence necessary to give demonstrations. 

There can be little doubt that when one has a love of their craft they can quickly learn to overcome inhibitions, convey knowledge and skills, enthuse with their personal passion about it and optimism about its long-term future, then people listening and observing will always find that of interest. 

A key ingredient in gaining such confidence is to possess a sound and meaningful knowledge of one’s craft and, within that, of the subject that they wish to demonstrate. That being so, their natural skills and wealth of knowledge will simply and easily flow as they begin to relax into their demonstration. Yet, that said, they must also learn not to be embarrassed, or put off demonstrating, should they making a mistake, for as they saying goes, ‘To err is to be human, to be perfect is to be Divine’. Remember, all who are now so fluent, and clearly at ease in their demonstrations, achieved such mastery by learning in the willingness to have a go and in so doing, of how to quickly and gracefully overcome the mistakes they made within their early presentations. In that respect, it is good to laugh at oneself and turn a ‘blooper’ into a source of group laughter. It is has been the writer’s experience that when one approaches a demonstration with a degree of humility, that group is always forgiving of a mistake in demonstrating; for they fully appreciate how difficult it must be to present in front of an audience.

As PTN stalwart, Ken Follett reflects:

“I think of the times we have had really grand demonstrators who started out thinking they had nothing to say but once set with their tools and materials and an audience that they fell into the rhythm and gave really touching demonstrations. An intention of the demonstrations was to aid tradespeople in finding their voice, and in this respect a focus was sometimes applied to assist those who believe that they have no voice to be enabled to speak through the giving of demonstrations to an audience of peers who would not take them to task for being clumsy or inept in their presentations.”

The following notes, therefore, are hints on how to successfully teach through practical demonstrations.

Planning the Demonstration

1. Reflect on the umbrella organisation for who you are to demonstrate for, the nature of the event and/or venue and the time when you are to demonstrate. Remembering, there is a marked difference to be allowed for between: 

   • Professionals and the general public.
   • People in the morning and later in the day.
2. Define your topic and consider carefully what part/s of it you wish to convey. Remember little is more – do not try to pack-in too much subject matter.
3. Try to work out a time by each defined phase, and its associated explanation, and add this up to see how it fits-in with the overall time allocated to the demonstration.
4. Reflect on your target audience to determine the appropriate level at which you will pitch the content of the topic, are they: 
   • A specific and highly focused group who have a degree of knowledge and/or skills of the chosen topic but wish to advance.
   • A group from one’s craft but who work on new-build and wish to learn about traditional tools, materials and skills. 
   • A select group from various professional disciplines within the industry. 
   • A wholly mixed group at a public event, open to all.
5. Be well prepared, read-up on your chosen topic to assist you in considering the important aspects that should be key parts of the demonstration and to utilise in preparing one’s own class notes or neatly copied (and credited!) as handouts.
6. Make a list of all the tools and assemble them, ensuring all are in serviceable condition and none could cause injury. Likewise make a list of materials that will be required and separate those you can provide from those you will request to be provided.
7. Reflect on the Health and Safety issues that surround your demonstration and make appropriate provision at the workstation. If necessary, prepare handouts for the participators.
8. Plan the demonstration very carefully by breaking it down into a series of logical practical steps leading to the completed task.
9. Assess and then organise your workstation to make it both ergonomically effective and give those watching and perhaps assisting maximum benefit.
10. Organise the layout of your tools and equipment so they are both ready at-hand for immediate use - and relocated when finished - and as a visual display (consider labels?) for the group to study.
11. Try to look clean and tidy – it inspires confidence in you.

Undertaking the Demonstration

1. When you are ready to start, politely call the group to order. 
2. Try to face your group, if possible, when addressing them, and pitch your voice to ensure – and check - all can hear you. 
3. Remember to talk to them: not at them! One should seek to inspire by the manner of the approach and by being engaging.
4. Do not keep looking at one person in the group – no matter how pretty or handsome! Cast your eyes around to both engage all and to gauge their attention and interest.
5. If you begin to feel you are losing them – perhaps they are struggling with an aspect of your subject, change tack and come at the subject from another angle and enquire if they now grasp it.
6. Introduce yourself and give a, ‘brief’ – 2 or 3 minutes maximum - overview of yourself.
7. Introduce the topic - with possibly a little piece of stimulating history background and related technology to set the subject in context – a maximum of 5 to 10 minutes 
8. Relate briefly how you intend to demonstrate the topic and what you are expecting them to note or possibly participate in.
9. Give them handouts and a brief reminder of the potential Health and Safety hazards, and what to do in the event of an unfortunate problem.
10. Explain the first part of your demonstration and begin.
11. Sometimes it is not possible to face your group, perhaps you are plastering or pointing a wall and therefore they are seeing your back, it is then that an engaging explanation, perhaps a funny, subject-related incident, or invite a question and answer dialogue with the group; all of which is intended to retain their interest becomes vital to the overall success of the class.
12. As one finishes a task and gets ready for the next part of the sequence of demonstrations, face your group and briefly, but appropriately, explain the next task you are about to demonstrate and re-commence.
13. If you call in someone for assistance check that they are suitably dressed, level of skill, issue with goggles/gloves/mask and when they have completed their assistance, acknowledge by thanking them and leading group applause.
14. Remember, for the commencement of each phase of the overall demonstration, face your group and explain what you are about to do, why, and what one shouldn’t do, and emphasise what aspects they are particularly to watch-out for.
15. If it aids the effectiveness of the group’s involvement and learning outcomes from the demonstration, invite them to come over to inspect something close-up. 

16. Upon successfully completing the final part of your demonstration draw it to its conclusion by: 

Conclusion

Please bear in mind that all of the advice and points listed above are intended merely to be helpful hints, borne out of years of undertaking demonstrations by the writer: they are certainly not cast-iron rules. 

Everyone is a unique individual with his or her own character.  A style of demonstrating that suits one person – even if one greatly admires their particular approach and technique - may not necessarily suit them. So one must seek to try to find their own method/s of presenting in order to discover which one sits comfortably with their personality and natural demeanour, yet one that still brings about the learning outcomes desired from that demonstration. 

Finally, someone who is new to demonstrating must never feel that they have failed, nor that they are not worthy to give a demonstration; especially if in their earliest forays into this arena they are not able to be so well organised. If they can engage and hold a group to get across to them the skill/s and knowledge that were intended as learning objectives at the outset of the presentation; then they have succeeded.

The Misia Leonard Scholarship is a fund to help students, apprentices, and emerging professionals attend the International Preservation Trades Workshop (IPTW). Founded in 2016, this scholarship is named in memory of Misia Leonard. Misia served on the PTN Board of Directors and was a strong advocate for the preservation of our cultural heritage. For over 20 years, she worked for the City of New York, spending the last eight of those as Director of the Historic Preservation Office for the Department of Design and Construction. While serving on the PTN Board of Directors, she was instrumental in the development of AIA/CES program. 

The Misia Leonard Scholarship was dedicated in her honor in 2016. Since then, up to five students and apprentices annually receive financial assistance to attend the IPTW. This has been a great avenue for emerging professionals to learn about different trades, meet craftspeople, and get engaged with PTN. The Scholarship is supported by proceeds from the annual auction at IPTW. You can support the PTN Scholarship Fund through:

• Direct donations
• Donating items, experiences, or packages to the auction
• Bid on auction items

Leading up to IPTW 2024 Savannah, we will highlight the 2023 Misia Leonard recipients each month. Students, apprentices, and emerging professionals can submit an application for the 2024 round through July 31, 2024. 

Sierra Baker

My name is Sierra Baker. I didn't have a background in preservation until I joined the Massachusetts Historic Preservation Corps. This 11 month AmeriCorps program is run through the Student Conservation Association and based in Braintree, MA. We complete historic preservation projects with a variety of partners, some of which are the National Parks of Boston and Department of Conservation and Recreation.

We are limited to completing work within MA state lines, so when my boss told me about IPTW I knew I had to go. I immediately filled out the Misia Leonard Scholarship application because I could tell it was a great opportunity and didn't want it to pass me by. I am so thankful to have received funds to travel to the conference which I couldn't have attended otherwise. I even used the funds to attend a full day pre-conference workshop on Cemetery Preservation led by the NPS Superintendent of the Historic Preservation Training Center.

It is difficult to count how many workshops I attended. My favorites were those in masonry, archeology, color and stain matching, and metal work. These were topics I was not expecting to learn about but am so happy I got to have my hands on.

My main goal at the conference was to form professional connections so when my current AmeriCorps term is done, I have options to join the preservation workforce. I am intrigued with HPTC and because the conference was hosted at their site, I had ample opportunities to talk with staff and learn about their experience in the field. I made the most of my time and asked for tips on applying for jobs and creating a federal resume. I am happy to say that because of those connections, just two months after the conference they offered me a job!

Attending IPTW was an unforgettable highlight of my AmeriCorp term and something I view as vital to my current career trajectory in the preservation field. I am grateful for the opportunity to have met and learned from countless masters of their craft. I hope to experience IPTW in the future and continue learning new skills.

Hello Members!

Are you interested in contributing your skills and ideas to help advance our mission? Join a committee! Four committees have open spots for PTN members to volunteer:

Media and Communications
This committee maintains outward facing-communications about the organization. fosters communications between members, and evaluates media strategies and adapt/develop new approaches and strategies.

Membership and Development
This committee helps maintain and expand PTN membership; develop relationships with like-minded businesses, organizations and people; and develop new funding streams to the organization.

Education and Training
This committee organizes and administers training and educational events, coordinates educational delivery with instructors and demonstrators, and develops new training and educational opportunities.

Awards and Scholarships
This committee organizes, administers, and operates scholarship funds; coordinates the Askins Awards with the Askins Committee; and maintains, develops, and increases scholarship funds.

Committee members must be active PTN members in good standing, able to serve 1-year terms, and meet at least quarterly. Meetings can be virtual and schedules will be determined by the committee members. Find out more about these committees activities, learn expectations, and apply at the link below:

APPLY HERE

PTN is pleased to open the nomination process for the 2024 Askins Achievement Award!  Nominations will be accepted through April 8th, at which time the nominations will be reviewed and voted on by the Askins Award Committee, a group composed of former awardees. Our 2024 awardee will be announced and award presented at the International Preservation Trades Workshop in Savannah, Georgia this October.  Happy Nominating!

Click Here For Nomination Form

The Askins Achievement Award is named in honor of James (Jim) S. Askins, the founder of the National Park Service Historic Preservation Training Center. The award is given in recognition of outstanding contributions and accomplishments in the promotion, education, and application of preservation trade skills. The award has been presented annually by the Preservation Trades Network since 1998 at the International Preservation Trades Workshop (IPTW).
     
The Askins Achievement Award recognizes contributions over and above the noteworthy. The award criteria includes contributions to the preservation trades for: the continuance of traditional building skills, advocacy of training in preservation trades, practicing a building trade at master level of skill and knowledge, and extraordinary effort given to advancing the awareness of traditional building trade skills and knowledge.

The nominee should be an advocate of the trades from a trade’s background, and have contributed efforts above and beyond the norm to help move the trades’ community forward. The nominee should be a person who has helped raise the bar and challenged others to try harder. The Askins Achievement Award represents more than just quality work and good ethics it also means challenging others to work for the betterment of the community around them.

Guidelines and Nomination Procedure

1. Askins Achievement Award recipients do not have to be members of Preservation Trades Network.

2. Nominators for the Askins Achievement Award do not have to be members of the Preservation Trades Network and they do not have to be Award Recipients.

3. Recipients of the Askins Achievement Award are the group that administers the award, and selects future recipients.

4. The award was established to be distinct from and separate from the Preservation Trades Network Board of Directors.

5. The permanent award plaque listing previous winners is owned by the National Park Service Historic Preservation Training Center and shall be displayed and kept up-to-date by the HPTC at the HPTC Headquarters at Gambrill House, Frederick, MD. The Logo is loaned to PTN for use on the individual Award Plaque given to each year’s winner.

6. A recipient selected by the others shall take on the administration of the award on behalf of the Askins Achievement Award group.

7. The new recipient shall be contacted to ensure that the plaque is created in the manner desired by the recipient.

8. The criteria for the Askins Achievement Award are stated in the nomination form.

9. The Askins Achievement Award group shall solicit nominations from the Preservation Trades
Community at large.

10. The Askins Achievement Award group shall have the right by majority vote to approve or disapprove use of the Award for marketing or promotion by the Preservation Trades Network Board
of Directors.

11. The Askins Award Recipient shall have a nominator who has provided a written nomination form and is willing to introduce the recipient.

12. Announcement of the Askins Award Recipient shall be published in the PTNews or other media after the International Preservation Trades Workshop.

13. Announcement of the Askins Award Recipient before the International Preservation Trades Workshop is subject to a majority vote of the recipients.

14. The business of the Askins Achievement Award group may be conducted by conference call, direct meeting, or email. A quorum to conduct the business of the group shall be a majority of the recipients.

15. Nominations stand for one year. The nomination may re-submitted.

https://www.sandersmortuary.com/obituary/Sarah-Jackson

Sarah M. Jackson

April 27, 1981 ~ January 26, 2024 (age 42)

Sarah Jackson Obituary

To watch Sarah's memorial service please click here 

Sarah M. Jackson, 42, of Trout Run, passed peacefully in her sleep on Friday, January 26, 2024, after her courageous battle with cancer.

Born April 27, 1981 in Williamsport, she was a daughter of the late Robert L. Jackson and Donna J. (Lose) Jackson of Trout Run.

Sarah's life, though shorter than we hoped, was lived to the fullest. Sarah graduated from Choctaw High School, Choctaw, OK, and then from Texas A&M with a Bachelor’s degree of Architecture in Environmental Design. She then went on to graduate with a Master’s degree in Historical Preservation from Savannah College of Art and Design. For 10 years, she worked for the United States Park Services in Natchitoches, LA and currently was working for General Services of the United States Government in Washington, D.C. as a Historical Preservation Specialist for the last five years.  

Sarah left an indelible mark on the hearts of those she touched, and her memory will be cherished as a treasure in the story of their lives. She approached every day with a heart full of love and a soul ready to explore the beauty of the world. Above all, Sarah believed her greatest gift and accomplishment was her sweet daughter, Leigh.

She loved traveling, hiking, photography, entertaining and rescuing dogs. Over the years, Sarah opened her heart and home to rescue over 50 dogs, each one a cherished companion and a life saved by her kindness.

Surviving in addition to her mother, is her daughter, Leigh C. Jackson, a brother Jason Jackson (Jen Cathor) of Shippensburg, a niece Mackenzie Jackson, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and her fur-babies Lucy, Hank, and Penelope.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, February 17 at Sanders Mortuary, 821 Diamond Street, Williamsport, followed by a memorial service at 3:30 p.m. Burial will be at the convenience of the family in Trout Run Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers or food memorial contributions in Sarah’s name may be made to a scholarship fund that has been set-up for her daughter, donations may be made to Donna Jackson c/o Leigh Jackson Scholarship Fund, PO Box 222 Trout Run, PA 17771

Online condolences and a recording of the memorial service may be found on her memorial page at www.SandersMortuary.com

It is with great sadness that the Preservation Trades Network Board of Directors informs our members that Sarah Marie Jackson passed in her sleep on January 26, 2024 following a courageous battle with cancer.

Sarah served on the PTN Board for 7 years in nearly every executive position, most recently as President from 2018-2020. She proudly worked with Historic Environment Scotland for the Sterling, Scotland IPTW in 2019.

We will post more about Sarah and her work with PTN. If you would like more information, please see her Facebook page.

Donations can be made on Sarah’s behalf to her favorite shelter and charity FAUNA, PO Box 2552, Natchitoches, LA 71547.

We will miss you, Sarah.