John has been in the construction industry for approximately thirty years. He is a 2006 graduate of Danville Area College Hands on Preservation Program with emphasis on both preservation techniques as well as social policy. In his professional career John has taken a special interest in wooden window restoration, as well as the replication of wooden components such as trim pieces that are no longer available. Woodworking is his true passion.  In the world of “cookie-cutter” home building John found his skills to be almost redundant. Architectural preservation can be both challenging and frustrating but he feels if we don’t preserve these buildings we will end up in a cookie-cutter society. 

Kyle joined HistoriCorps because the opportunity to teach volunteers about historic preservation in the field could not be passed up, and this season’s projects completely feed his need of adventure in the outdoors. He is a North Bennet Street School alumni and is currently finishing his master’s at the Boston Architectural College in Historic Preservation. Kyle loves traditional building and is really looking forward to leading volunteers this season. He is really excited about getting to camp and work in Bodie as he has fond memories of visiting the ghost town as a kid, and is excited to ensure that a whole new generation of kids gets to see it in all its glory.

Dane has been involved with historic restoration for over forty years and became particularly intrigued by the concept of working on historic structures in areas of the country in which he would not normally be plying his trade. Additionally, he was excited to have the opportunity to experience different building materials and methods used by others. Dane owns his own company, Cowan & Son Construction, based in the San Francisco Bay Area. During his time on the North Coast he taught classes in Historic Restoration and Preservation at The College of the Redwoods in Eureka, CA. During his eleven years there, he trained workers in proper methods and techniques during the historic restoration of the Presidio in San Francisco. Dane always looks forward to giving away all the knowledge he can as well as learning all he can from others.

Steve is an Iowa farm boy, Anthropology student, Gulf of Mexico oil field worker, New Mexico cowboy, Leadville hard rock miner and building contractor, and finally, historic preservation carpenter and Project Supervisor for Historicorps. It only took Steve 45 years to figure out what he wanted to be when he grew up. Steve has completed 8 seasons and 32 projects with Historicorps to date!

Patrick Kennedy (foreground in photo) has been involved in hands-on historic building renovation since the early ’70s. He began with residential and commercial buildings in Northern Kentucky and then log buildings. Relocating to central Kentucky in the early ’80s he continued to work on all aspects of the renovation and restoration of historic log and wood frame buildings including window restoration. He accepted a position in 1997 with the Kentucky Heritage Council, the State Historic Preservation Office. He worked there for fifteen years as an adviser for historic building and covered bridge renovations throughout the State.  During his tenure at KHC he set up a nationally recognized hands-on restoration skills program at Pine Mountain Settlement School with major assistance from Bob Yapp. Patrick continues his work in historic preservation as a go-to source for historic building projects, contractor for special preservation projects, instructor at hands on education workshops and demonstrations, and supervisor for HistoriCorps volunteer projects. 

Mike started a historic conservation career in the early 1980s while working with Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks in Maryland. He came from a construction trade background and after attending two Preservation Trades Network conferences he was hooked on preservation.  Having previously attended two trade schools, he received a degree from Goucher College’s Professional Studies in Historic Preservation program and started working for Historic Preservation Specialists, Inc. in Smithsburg, MD. Mike has since taught historic preservation to students and others interested in learning how to care for their homes. This year with HistoriCorps, Mike is looking forward to learning the ways of the West and getting lost on trout streams with a fly rod (and bear spray). He plans to watch many sunrises and learn many new things.

Ryan Prochaska came to HistoriCorps for the opportunity it would give him to work with fellow preservationists and also, in his words, “to travel and enjoy the great outdoors”.  His career in historic preservation has brought together three passions in his life: art, architecture and sustainability.  He firmly believes that by preserving the built environment we can reduce our impact on the environment. Ryan enjoys meeting inspiring people who enjoy the outdoors and love working with their hands.

Basil’s favorite part of working with HistoriCorps is the volunteers. It is wonderful to work with people who are excited to be learning and are optimistic and positive. His areas of expertise are widely varied. He has been involved in many remodels of old houses, new construction, timber framing and various types of masonry. Basil really enjoys preservation of old structures as a learning experience for himself, the volunteer crew and future visitors to our completed projects.

Jonathan was immediately attracted to HistoriCorps due to the combination of remote wilderness sites and preserving historic structures. Having always been in awe of the structures he finds on top of a mountain or miles from any road, let alone a town, it was an easy decision to join a group whose mission is to save these amazing places. When he is not on a HistoriCorps site, you will find Jonathan down by the river or up in the mountains. He is most looking forward to continuing work on projects we began last season, stating that it’s satisfying to watch them move forward year to year. At the same time Jonathan enjoys confronting those unforeseen challenges that are inevitable when you begin working with historic structures.