Edgecombe Community College President Dr. Deborah Lamm is convinced the new historic preservation program will be a success.

She proved it by staffing ECC’s tent at the Happening on the Common last Saturday. Lamm handed out colorful brochures promoting the program and answering questions.

“There’s been a lot of interest today,” she said. “I’m encouraged.”

The new Preservation Trades School at ECC this fall will be a part of the annual History Days celebration in September, an Edgecombe County Cultural Arts Council event.

Four historic preservation experts in masonry, carpentry, roofing and window restoration will be on hand Saturday, Sept. 27 for a demonstration at Coolmore Plantation.

They will demonstrate their crafts and answer questions about the courses that will be offered in October and November at ECC.

During lunch, Myrick Howard, president of Preservation North Carolina will speak.

Billy Wooten of Tarboro who has been a member of the Preservation North Carolina board of directors the last six years, will host a pig pickin’ that evening.

A $25 registration fee includes informal instruction, tour, lunch and supper.

 The historic preservation program is new. Six continuing education courses are required, including architecture, foundation/masonry, roofing, window restoration, framing/carpentry and decorative arts.

 Each course meets for two weekends, including Saturdays and Sundays.

A certificate in Preservation Trades will be earned after completion of the six continuing education courses.

 The first course, Southern Architecture, will be offered in October, on Oct. 11-12 and Oct. 25-26 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

The second course, Brick Masonry for Historic Buildings will be offered in November, on Nov. 8-9 and Nov. 22-23, also from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

Each course costs $55 plus a supply fee.