Historic property owners seeking information on restoration and preservation techniques can choose from an extensive menu of programs at the Restore Omaha Conference, Exhibition and Tour Nov. 5-6, at the Mutual of Omaha Dome.
Participants can select from up to 20 educational sessions and spend hours on the exhibition floor meeting with more than 30 representatives of products, craftsmen and associations geared toward restoring, repairing and preserving historic buildings.
John Leeke, a frequent contributor to Old House Journal, will be the keynote speaker of the event. Leeke grew up in Lincoln, Neb., and watched his father learn the woodworker trade from Keats Lorenz, an early 20th century woodcarver and architectural stylist who worked on Nebraska’s State Capitol. He now lives in Portland, Ma., and gives preservation workshops through his company Historic Home Works.
Starting off the day will be Bob Yapp, a nationally known preservation consultant, PBS television host (About Your House with Bob Yapp), columnist, radio show host and old house lover. He’ll speak on “Preservation Doesn’t Cost — It Pays.”
Conference sessions will start Nov. 5 at 9 a.m. with Yapp’s presentation and go throughout the day. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear topics ranging from porch and window repair to how to get their home on the historic register. The conference also will allow plenty of opportunities to network with historic property owners to gather ideas and solutions. Conference price is $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Admission includes the keynote session, up to three lectures, hands-on demonstrations and the exhibitor area.
On Sunday, Nov. 6, a $5 tour is planned from 1 to 5 p.m. highlighting current and completed preservation efforts in Omaha’s midtown area along with having the Gerald R. Ford Conservation Center open for tours.
A committee consisting of representatives of a number of midtown neighborhood associations, American Institute of Architects, Nebraska State Historical Society, Omaha Main Streets, Landmarks Inc., Omaha 2020 and Midtown Neighborhood Alliance is helping to organize the conference.
For a complete conference and tour listing and for registration information visit
the Destination Midtown Web site or call Kristine Gerber, conference director, at (402) 614-0056.
The conference is made possible with support from the UNMC, The Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha Community Foundation, Midtown Neighborhood Alliance, Mutual of Omaha, Ford Birthsite Neighborhood Association, Park East Neighborhood Association, Wells Fargo, Leo A. Daly and IBEW Local No. 22.