A regular offering at UMASC, “Central Maine’s Architectural History” tries to be a little different each semester. Even though architecture is a focus of this NINE WEEK course, it is Maine culture (as revealed by architecture) that is the main undercurrent. 

This will be a hybrid class (offered BOTH in-person AND SIMULTANEOUSLY through Zoom). Students can attend classes on campus or from the comfort of home. Slide presentations of MANY local examples form the basis of the course. We will also talk about historic preservation. Instructor, Dan Mitchell, is the property manager of Vaughan Homestead in Hallowell, and was also an “old house carpenter” for several years prior.

The course will explore architecture (and landscape architecture) from the structural basics of vernacular construction to the ideas that influence formal styles. Weekly, students will receive notes and a list of local structures that can be used as a self-guided tour of the region’s built environment. Classes will be enriched with show-and-tell objects and old architectural periodicals and publications.

Toward the end of the course a behind-the-scenes site visit to Vaughan Homestead will be arranged. The class is meant to be informal and conversational, and input from students is GREATLY encouraged. In fact, student perspectives, questions and experiences have the potential to drive the most interesting discussions.