AiP Reports Success of Lamu Conservation Project Funded by The Genographic Legacy Fund

May 25, 2011 - PRLog -- Adventures in Preservation (AiP) announced today the release of a report prepared by the Lamu World Heritage Site and Conservation Office outlining results of a recently completed joint project. The report highlights the great success of the heritage building conservation project in Old Town Lamu, Kenya that was funded by The Genographic Legacy Fund of the National Geographic Society.

Planning for this cooperative effort between AiP and the Lamu World Heritage Site and Conservation Office started in 2008. The aim was to involve the Swahili people of Lamu in saving their built heritage, and re-introduce appropriate methods of repair and maintenance for traditional, historic coral rag structures. This concept attracted the interest of National Geographic’s Genographic Legacy Fund, which awarded $22,000 in funding to Lamu Museums for the project.

From October 2010 through April 2011, four Kenyan master craftsmen taught and led 12 young artisans selected from the Lamu community in repair and restoration work at a historic coral rag house. The participants learned–

•   the principles of coral rag building with compatible upward additions;
•   timber window and door restoration, including decorative carving;
•   stone cutting and placement;
•   slaking and preparation of lime for quality lime plaster and mortar;
•   façade maintenance to retain significant streetscape features.

The project resulted in the complete restoration of this traditional Swahili house, which is a contributing structure to the Lamu World Heritage Site. The residence is vitally important to the community as one of the last historic houses still owned and occupied by a local family.

A questionnaire completed by local citizens showed that a marked change in attitude occurred during the 5-month project, with residents now having a more positive feeling toward using traditional techniques. This result provides a lifeline to the coral rag houses of Lamu’s historic Old Town.

The report credits Judith Broeker, AiP’s Program Director, with valuable technical input and constant support. The Lamu Conservation Office thanked Ms. Broeker “for her trust in the idea and giving Us a chance to develop it. Her patience was remarkable and her technical input overwhelming.”  

A copy of the report can be downloaded from the Gallery Section of AiP’s website, www.adventuresinpreservation.org.

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About Adventures in Preservation: AiP is a non-profit organization that supports community-based heritage preservation projects. Their hands-on volunteer vacations give participants the opportunity to travel, learn historic preservation skills, and help renew a community. Learn more about how AiP volunteers combine their power with the strength of local communities to make a difference at www.adventuresinpreservation.org.