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The Apprenticeship Program

Since the summer of 2006, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) has sponsored an apprenticeship program designed to introduce students and graduates of trade schools, technical colleges and related programs to the preservation building trades, the business of preservation and its implementation in the Commonwealth. The Trust has partnered with the PHMC since the summer of 2007 by offering paid 12 week summer positions to qualified candidates. Under the supervision of Trust conservators, apprentices participate in a broad range of preservation related work that includes traditional masonry and carpentry. Our commitment to the preservation of traditional architecture is as strong as our commitment to the preservation of traditional building skills. To apply for a 2010 Summer Apprenticeship Position, please send a cover letter and resume to lucystrackhouse@fairmountparktrust.org

Click here to see photos from our apprenticeship program.

Caretaker Opportunities

Occasionally caretaker opportunities are available in Fairmount Park Properties. Interested parties should submit a cover letter outlining their qualifications and a copy of their resume to the Executive Director. Caretaker duties vary and are dependent upon the needs of the historic site. Currently no buildings are available but we are accepting applications for placement on our waiting list.

Education & Outreach

The Trust works with preservation advocacy groups and institutions on a variety of outreach projects. In 2006 the Trust began a partnership with the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia to offer a series of "hands-on" homeowner workshops. These workshops, taught by Trust conservation staff, educate the public in the use of appropriate techniques for repairing their historic homes.

For several years the Trust has partnered with the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission to offer apprentice training in the preservation trades. In addition, the Trust has participated in work-study and internship programs with local educational institutions, supplementing student curriculum with practical preservation experience. These programs prepare interns and apprentices for careers in the preservation field while helping preserve our important collection of historic structures.

Homeowner Workshops

Since 2006 the Trust has partnered with the Preservation Alliance to offer a series of free Fall and Spring workshops, educating homeowners in preservation maintenance and practical restoration techniques. Over 800 participants have benefited from these demonstrations, which promote sustainable building practices easily accomplished by homeowners. Audience favorites include masonry restoration, wood window repairs, historic porch repairs and interior plaster repairs. We look forward to meeting you at one of our future workshops!

Click here to see photos from our past homeowner workshops

Deloitte Impact Day
Volunteer Day

In June 2012, the Trust, in collaboration with the Philadelphia Department of Parks & Recreation and Deloitte Impact Day participated in a volunteer day at Thomas Mansion in Clifford Park. The goal was to clean the garden beds and surrounding vegetation at Clifford Park, as well as clean and touch-up paint throughout Thomas Mansion.