From the original Hometown Heritage newspaper submission, August 5, 2010. newspaper issue date is not recorded here; historical event details are retained.
It’s hard to believe this year marks a decade of Preservation in Your Community (PIYC) events in Natchitoches. Each year marks another milestone in our cultural heritage with new people, research and activites that make the Cane River region just a little bit better.
This year’s event promises to be the most enjoyable yet. Instead of presentations, interns and personnel from the area National Park Service offices will produce poster exhibits with interactive stations that tie into some aspect of their projects.
The event will be held at the headquarters of the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training (NCPTT) at 645 University Parkway. Everyone is invited to tour the exhibits and enjoy the snack buffet anytime between 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
The Cane River Creole National Historical Park (CARI), Cane River National Heritage Area (CRNHA) and NCPTT are the long-time sponsors of Preservation in Your Community. This year, area heritage organizations like the Natchitoches Historic Foundation and the Association for the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches will be joining in with exhibits of their own.
Preservation Research and Demonstrations
PIYC will offer preservation information you can use for your own preservation efforts. It’s also an opportunity to meet some neat people.
Several folks from across the country came to NCPTT this summer to conduct preservation research. This includes Anna Muto, who will present her research on how to treat rust, prevent future corrosion and strengthen metal materials against the environment.
Additionally, Kimberly Martin will present research about the ability of paint strippers to remove weathered paints from brick, including historic brick. Stephanie Nelson will present a video she just produced about how to grow and control vegetation in historic settings. Finally, Caitlin Oshida will provide information about herbicides and their possible negative effects on historic brick and masonry.
Master of Heritage Resources students (both current and alumni) will be presenting several projects at Preservation in Your Community as well.
For example, CARI intern Rodney Meziere will help you discover when you can repair your own heritage objects, and when it’s best to call in a professional conservator. Megan Blinov, also interning at CARI, will present information about the musical legacy of Cane River and its importance in cultural traditions. And Rebecca Bonnet will give information about the operation of Magnolia Plantation, a family-owned agribusiness, over the course of two centuries.
Robert Caldwell, who is interning at CRNHA, will introduce information about basic materials conservation in the digitizing of historic structures within the Natchitoches landmark district. And Ryan Smith will present his groundbreaking work on the area’s military heritage with an emphasis on the diverse military heritage of the CRNHA including historic photographs, historic maps, and cultural and natural threats to the site.
I hope you’ll come by and visit Preservation in Your Community, even if it’s just for a few minutes. I know you’ll enjoy it. For more information on the event, call 318-356-7444.
What Remains
The National Center for Preservation Technology and Training has continued beyond the tenth anniversary described in this column. Still based at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, the National Park Service center researches conservation methods and offers training for preservation professionals and the public. In June 2026, local high school participants in its 3D Digital Summer Field School presented work documenting historic buildings with drones, 3D tours, and recorded histories. That project illustrates how the center’s long-standing mission has developed new tools while remaining rooted in practical preservation education. NCPTT programs · 2026 field school.
Updated October 2026
Supporting Documents & SourcesView related reporting & supporting materials
| Related article | NCPTT graffiti removal research |
|---|---|
| Related article | Historic landscape mobile documentation |
| Related article | NCPTT summer interns |
| Related article | Cane River park conservation |
Article Catalog CardView the manuscript record, provenance & surviving materials
| Artifact | Newspaper manuscript. |
|---|---|
| Institution | Natchitoches Times; NCPTT; Cane River partners. |
| Evidence | August 5, 2010 email submission. |
| Role | Columnist and heritage communicator. |
| Status | Restored; newspaper print evidence pending. |
Critical Questions + Add to the Record
Application here: The recurring preservation program illustrates how local partnerships can turn individual educational events into durable community capacity.
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