Maine architectural historian Frank Beard once wrote, “(buildings) provide us, perhaps more than any other artifact, with that historical continuity so vital to a richer understanding of our heritage and, hence, ourselves.” This course hopes to bring appreciation of Maine culture through architecture. Instructor Dan Mitchell is the property manager at Hallowell’s Vaughan Homestead and a former carpenter. This eight week course (along with the “18th Century-1900” course) has been a regular at UMASC, but strives to be a little different each time. Classes will be roughly one hour, and we’ll look at slides of many examples of local architecture (and landscape architecture); making connections to larger themes. We’ll talk about historic preservation in general, and discuss how structures can become listed to the National Register. We’ll analyze recent structures (from the last 50 years) that could merit future preservation. Student input is greatly encouraged, and students can offer suggestions for customized additions to the course. Students will receive a printed copy of each week’s notes, as well as a lists of nearly 150 local structures mentioned throughout the course. The notes (and building list) have the potential to be used as a self-guided driving (or walking) tour of central Maine’s architectural history. Finally, a behind-the-scenes field trip to Vaughan Homestead in Hallowell will tie many course themes together, and students will see changes to Vaughan Homestead throughout the modern era and learn more about Vaughan Homestead’s preservation philosophy.