MARQUETTE - Established more than 160 years ago, the city of Marquette has had plenty of time to build a rich history, much of which can be found in its historic buildings.
In an effort to keep those buildings around for the next 160 years, a free workshop will be offered Friday and Saturday for those interested in learning about historic homes and commercial buildings.
The Historic Preservation Workshop is set for 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days at the Peter White Public Library.
Hosting the event is the Michigan Historic Preservation Network. Nan Taylor, greater Michigan field representative for the network, said the organization has offered one of the workshops downstate but wanted to reach out to residents of the Upper Peninsula as well.
"This particular one is a regional educational workshop," Taylor said. "It's a lot broader. It's meant to be a bit more comprehensive, geared toward commercial property owners and historic homeowners within a region."
Courses will be taught by a mixture of experts in home preservation and will cover topics such as lead based paint and other hazardous materials, masonry cleaning and restoration, wood repair and maintenance and energy conservation.
Gregg Seiple of Marquette, owner of GHS construction, will give a presentation on repairing old wood windows.
"I'm not a big proponent of just tearing down old stuff and building new stuff," Seiple said. "One of the best qualities of Marquette is that we have these historic buildings. It's part of the beauty of Marquette."
Space is limited for the workshop and registration should be made by calling 517-371-8080 or by emailing admin@mhpn.org.
A lunch will be provided to participants.
The workshop is sponsored by the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority.
Jackie Stark can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 242.