The Trust has several programs to help educate the public and students about the benefits of historic preservation. These include:

Architectural History Tours Not your average house tour, our Architectural History Tours have for many years been a great venue for opening many unique and historic properties and sites to visitors as well as serving as a funding event for the Trust. Produced every other year in different areas of Lancaster County, the tour provides visitors the opportunity to learn about various architectural features, why they were utilized (whether for functionality or for their ornate value), a history of the area and the people who designed, built and lived, worked, worshiped or played in the structures. Tour goers also receive a keepsake program guide that provides many interesting facts about the tour area and sites and are greeted at each location by knowledgeable docents who enhance the visitor experience. Additionally, the tour features a related education component for county elementary students to learn about their local heritage in a detailed program that complements their school's social studies curriculum. To date, approximately 650 students have participated in our tour education component and had fun doing so. In all, these tours serve to educate visitors and students about the special architecture of Lancaster County, the history it represents and instills an appreciation for its preservation.

Buddy the Building Detective As noted above, we have had much success in creating a special education component for our Architectural History Tours that we created a special format for a wider audience. Buddy the Building Detective was professional created with much help from local elementary school educators to formalize our student education component and complements and adheres to the current Pennsylvania social studies curriculum. It introduces students to the basic functions of their built environment through the study of basic architecture, design principles and the historic context of buildings through inspiring lessons and fund activities. The learning experience begins as students embark on a journey back in time to the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries to discover historic buildings in their community, observe what features were from what era and learn their community's evolution through its architectural history. The quest for knowledge continues as 4th and 5th grade students complete each lesson plan - including developing architectural drawings and learning basic vocabulary for architectural features and details - and hone their visual perception skills through field studies. As students become more familiar with the history and design of buildings that they encounter daily, their knowledge should foster a greater interest and appreciation of both local history and historic preservation. The Buddy package includes a teacher's manual and student workbooks and provides the opportunity for students to practice and sharpen their visual arts, math, environmental, English composition, reading, vocabulary and social studies skills. Please contact the Trust at 291-5861 for more details of how you may participate.

Lancaster Heritage Outlook (Our Newspaper) First published in 2003, the Outlook is a sponsored-supported, quarterly newspaper that serves as the main written communication vehicle of the Trust. It enjoys a wide circulation through Lancaster County while providing our members and other readers with interesting, timely and unique articles on pertinent preservation topics, how-to's, updates on our program accomplishments and events and op-ed pieces from the board and staff.

Speaking Engagements The Trust and historic preservation is a popular topic in the area and we are often asked to speak about its various aspects and current projects at local business, organization, and social group gatherings.

Advisory Consulting Historic preservation has many facets and can be a fairly complex undertaking. We are often asked to provide advisory consulting services to individual property owners, municipal officials, and developers a variety of topics that range from architectural advice, restoration, easement protection, masonry, painting, structural engineering, and legal aspects among several other categories. Consulting is provide by both HPT and by our growing family of professional advisors.

Milling Demonstrations The Trust, in partnership with the owners of a historic mill and sawmill, provide periodic public demonstrations of grist milling and rough-cut sawing using restored, water powered machinery of yesteryear. These demonstrations help to educate visitors as to the preparation of grain and wood products during the 19th century and how water supplied the energy needs of a growing county. In addition, visitors gain a clear appreciation for the preservation of these fast disappearing structures that once were a mainstay of bringing the bounty of the farm to the table long ago.

Partners in Preservation As part of our diverse preservation projects, the Trust provides the opportunity for local technical school students to learn about various preservation skills such as masonry and carpentry among other master craftsmen trades with on the job training.