My Summer Internship at Habalis Construction

As the first day of fall classes approaches and my summer internship at Habalis winds down, I’ve been asked by a professor to comment on my work experience. He wants to know “what did you learn – but with an attitude.” Well, in addition to learning what to do if a pit bull runs up to you on your way to work and that country music stations play the National Anthem at noon, I've learned a lot about preservation and even more about what to expect in my future.

Seeing and photographing examples of rehabilitation projects throughout Fredericksburg has supplemented what I have learned in school and reminded me of some things I had forgotten.

This summer I’ve seen the not-yet-mixed ingredients of lime mortar at the Mary Washington House, brick nogging at 309 Hanover Street, carpenter’s marks at the Barnes House, and hand-hewn, pit sawn, and circular sawn framing members at Braehead. I’ve cleaned mortar off of 19^th century bricks, experiencing first-hand the destruction caused by Portland cement. I’ve helped complete a Fredericksburg ARB application, written a proposal to the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, and attended a Stafford County ARB meeting.

Interning with Habalis has also allowed me to spend time around three graduates of the University of Mary Washington Historic Preservation program, which I will be completing this spring. Simply overhearing conversations at the Habalis office has helped me to understand the State and Federal historic preservation tax credits, the nature of CRM archaeology, and the process of biding a construction job.

I have enjoyed my classroom preservation experience, but I can appreciate the true value of my education a little more now that I have started to apply my skills outside of my classes.

I had been overwhelmed by the thought of transitioning from learning to practicing preservation, but I have come to realize that the jump from one to the other doesn't really exist. A visiting alumnus, whose talk to preservation students I attended as a freshman, informed/reminded the listening students that our undergraduate experience is only the beginning of an education that continues throughout our careers and lives. This internship experience has confirmed this to me, as I have both used and built upon the terms, facts, and skills I have learned in my classes to complete my tasks this summer.

Thank you, Habalis, for entrusting me with the Facebook, Twitter, and Blogger passwords. And thank you to the faithful followers who have been reading my posts, clicking through our pictures, and liking our content. It’s been real. Soon I will have to leave you, but a new intern will be along, taking my place and offering a new perspective on preservation. Stay tuned!