Department of Cultural and Historic Preservation

LABS AND TOOLS

Students in the Cultural and Historic Preservation program at Salve Regina University benefit from three levels of laboratory space. Lab space is designed to foster student enrichment by providing a practical component to the CHP program. With no shortage of local preservation-related projects, students often spend a significant portion of their time in at least one of the laboratory areas.

The CHP Lab

Working at the drafting
tables in the CHP lab

The Cultural and Historic Preservation Program is pleased to inaugurate the new CHP Lab, located in McAuley Hall. The CHP Lab is equipped with drafting tables, classroom discussion space and study artifacts. It also provides students with workspace that can be used to build architectural models, work with architectural plans or draw maps. Through the CHP Lab, students have access to digital cameras, scanners, a digital theodolite, a microscope and a wide range of other archaeological and architectural equipment.

The Salve Regina University Lab

Salve Regina's
Ochre Court

The Salve Regina campus, with 22 historic buildings, serves as an unparalleled living laboratory for preservation. CHP students have access to many of the processes that guide the restoration and adaptation of Salve Regina's buildings for educational use. This experience is one of the CHP program's strengths and gives students real-world examples of the issues faced by professionals in the field.

The Newport Lab

Champlin Street in the
Kay/Catherine Historic District

Following the university's example of community involvement, the Newport National Historic Landmark District functions as a laboratory for students in the CHP program. Local field-work projects like architectural surveys, historic district nominations and archaeological digs give students practical experience in tandem with classroom learning. All CHP students are encouraged to undertake primary-research projects that examine different aspects of Newport's history, from 18th century ceramic-ware to 20th century automobiles. The close proximity of the Newport National Historic Landmark District reinforces the practical side of historic preservation, giving a new dimension to the issues discussed in the classroom environment.

Preservation Off the Island

The CHP program encourages students to examine sites that are not on or near Salve's campus. Because Salve is a member institution of the National Council for Preservation Education, CHP students are among the first to be considered for important summer jobs and opportunities offered byorganizations like the National Park Service, the Historic American Buildings Survey and other government agencies. CHP Students may also focus on a site or building near their home town or in another part of the country by designing their own independent study, internship and thesis. They may also gain credit for preservation projects completed while in a study-abroad program. By fostering student initiative, the CHP program helps students develop into responsible, mature preservationists that are prepared to excel in the field.