VHF’s Heritage Conservation courses teach homeowners, building owners and professionals skills and knowledge for the care and maintenance of older buildings and heritage sites. Formerly known as Old School, these courses and workshops can include topics such as best practices for researching the history of a building, how to manage a heritage project from start to finish, a thorough introduction to heritage conservation, and wood windows repair and maintenance.
We will be launching a new on-demand version of Heritage 101 in 2025 so check back here for updates! If you applied to be part of the pilot program, selected applicants will be contacted and receive information about the pilot program by early November.
Thank You to Our Project Partners
Lohn Foundation
Tuesday, April 1st, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
City of Vancouver Archives
$45 +tax
Sold Out! Whether you are researching the history of a house, have noticed an interesting building in the city or want to learn more about the history of a neighbourhood, it can be tricky to know where to start. Join us for this ninety-minute workshop where we will use case studies to illustrate important tips and tricks to get the most out of resources and tools that are available online.
Whether you are researching the history of a house, have noticed an interesting building in the city or want to learn more about the history of a neighbourhood, it can be tricky to know where to start. Join us for this ninety-minute workshop where we will use a case studies to illustrate important tips and tricks to get the most out of resources and tools that are available online.
Join Vancouver Heritage Foundations Program Manager, Katherine Figueiredo who will share an overview of online VHF resources like such as the Heritage Site Finder and Places That Matter Community History Resource, and ways your research can help add to further education and learning tools online. She will cover oral histories, videos, archival images and other forms on digital content.
For the second half of the Evening, City of Vancouver Archivist, Bronwyn Smyth, as she shares the best practices and essential tips for discovering the most useful and interesting information about a heritage building or site. The skills learned can be utilized by home and building owners and professionals
gathering information for conservation projects and planning for a site, or those interested in researching about local history and heritage places.
About the Speaker:
Bronwyn Smyth is an Archival Assistant at the City of Vancouver Archives, where she has been helping researchers locate relevant records for their research and providing access to those records since 2016.
Photo Credit: City of Vancouver Archives 99-610
Virtual Steps for Sustainability Recordings
Online
$15+tax
Are you a homeowner looking to improve the energy performance of your character or heritage home? Learn about common issues, best practices, and available grants and resources with our informative virtual Steps for Sustainability sessions hosted by industry professionals.
Recordings from past VHF Steps for Sustainability sessions are available for purchase. A link will be sent for each virtual event following your purchase and the video will be available for viewing on YouTube up to a month after your purchase.
Participant takes a picture of 'Concerto', a public art piece outside of Buchanan building at UBC during the 2022 Mid-Century Modern Photography Workshop and Tour. Credit: S. Carlson
Jim Stiven demonstrates how to rehang window weights with new sash cord during a wood windows workshop in 2008.
Group in front of International House during the 2022 Mid-Century Modern Photography Workshop and Tour at UBC. Credit: S. Carlson
Statements of Significance workshop attendees identifying character-defining elements for an SoS exercise.
Removing white paint from a wood door during a paint stripping workshop in 2012.
Opportunity to try out new skills during hands-on portion of 2015 wood windows workshop.
Students participating in 2017 masonry workshop.
Students participating in 2017 masonry workshop.
Photographing the Marine Building lobby's architecture and ornamentation during a photography workshop.
Participants at the archives during a 2006 Researching the History of a Building workshop.
Heritage 101 instructor Donald Luxton reviewing the True Colours palette.
Group in front of the 1968 addition to the University Centre and reflecting pool designed by local architect, Arthur Erickson, during the 2022 Mid-Century Modern Photography Workshop and Tour at UBC. Credit: S. Carlson
Heritage houses from Historic Colours workshop with Donald Luxton in 2018.
Site visit to The Cultch during 2019 Heritage 101 course.
Examining the fabric of a heritage building during Heritage 101.
Researching at the City of Vancouver Archives in 2011.
Exteriors 2009 Old School Course with instructor James Burton.
Participant takes a picture of 'Concerto', a public art piece outside of Buchanan building at UBC during the 2022 Mid-Century Modern Photography Workshop and Tour. Credit: S. Carlson
Jim Stiven demonstrates how to rehang window weights with new sash cord during a wood windows workshop in 2008.
Group in front of International House during the 2022 Mid-Century Modern Photography Workshop and Tour at UBC. Credit: S. Carlson
Statements of Significance workshop attendees identifying character-defining elements for an SoS exercise.
Removing white paint from a wood door during a paint stripping workshop in 2012.
Opportunity to try out new skills during hands-on portion of 2015 wood windows workshop.
Students participating in 2017 masonry workshop.
Students participating in 2017 masonry workshop.
Photographing the Marine Building lobby's architecture and ornamentation during a photography workshop.
Participants at the archives during a 2006 Researching the History of a Building workshop.
Heritage 101 instructor Donald Luxton reviewing the True Colours palette.
Group in front of the 1968 addition to the University Centre and reflecting pool designed by local architect, Arthur Erickson, during the 2022 Mid-Century Modern Photography Workshop and Tour at UBC. Credit: S. Carlson
Heritage houses from Historic Colours workshop with Donald Luxton in 2018.
Site visit to The Cultch during 2019 Heritage 101 course.
Examining the fabric of a heritage building during Heritage 101.
Researching at the City of Vancouver Archives in 2011.
Exteriors 2009 Old School Course with instructor James Burton.
Heritage Conservation Education Program Opportunities
For students: Are you currently enrolled in an educational program and 16-30 years of age? Sponsored seats for students are available for Heritage Conservation workshops and courses. Learn more about the program here or email us if you are interested in attending.
Professional Development Credits: Most workshops can qualify for Professional Development Credits: Our courses are recognized by AIBC, PIBC, BCAAIC, BCSLA, IDIBC and BOABC. All Professional Development Credits are self-reporting – talk to your professional body to inquire how to register your attendance.
VHF’s Heritage Conservation Courses and Workshops won a 2009 City of Vancouver Heritage Award of Merit. Sign up for one and see why!
Heritage Conservation Certificate
Requirements to receive this certificate include:
- Heritage 101: An Introduction to Heritage Conservation
- 15 additional elective credits
- A house tour (ie. Heritage Discovery Day) or 3 walking tours
Heritage Hour talks and Heritage Lunch and Learns qualify for 1 credit each, to a maximum of 3 credits. Virtual strolls do not qualify for the walking tour requirement.
Completion of the certificate can take several years depending on courses schedules. Courses vary each year and some courses and tours are no longer offered. All courses are offered by heritage professionals working in the fields of architecture, trades & construction, heritage conservation, planning, landscaping and related professions.
For more information, please email VHF’s Director of Education at sarah@vancouverheritagefoundation.org.
Past Workshops and Courses
- September 28 – Maintenance and Repair of Wood Windows
- November 6 – Creating A Heritage Conservation Plan
- April 4 – Historic Colour Analysis using the True Colours Palette at Roedde House
- April 27 – Vancouver Heritage Program in Action: An Introduction to Heritage Conservation in Vancouver
- May 4 – Vancouver Heritage Program in Action: Heritage Grants and Other Management Tools
- Nov 4 & 8 – Heritage 101: An Introduction to Heritage Conservation
- Nov 15 – Writing a Statement of Significance
- March 23 – Researching the History of a Building Online
- May 2 – Planning a Heritage Garden
- August 13 – Mid-Century Modern Photography Workshop & Tour at UBC
- November 5 & 8 – Heritage 101: An Introduction to Heritage Conservation
- March 30 – Drafting a Statement of Significance
- October 16 & 19 – Heritage 101: An Introduction to Heritage Conservation
- November 6 – Creating a Heritage Conservation Plan
- November 25 – Steps for Sustainability: Heat Pumps
- February 21 – Mid-Project Tour: St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church Seismic Upgrade and Heritage Restoration
- February 29 – Professional Historical Colours Analysis Workshop
- May 21 – Planning a Heritage Garden Webinar
- June 10 – Researching the History of a Building Online
- November 21 & 26 – Heritage 101: An Introduction to Heritage Conservation
- March 2 – Heritage 101: An Introduction to Heritage Conservation
- March 16 – Maintenance and Repair of Wood Windows
- May 2 – Planning a Heritage Garden
- November 6 – Creating a Heritage Conservation Plan
- November 21 – Researching the History of a Building at Aberthau Mansion
- March 13 – Researching the History of a Building: Vancouver Archives
- April 14 – Heritage 101: An Introduction to Heritage Conservation
- April 28 – Exterior Painting and Historic Colours Workshop
- May 1 – Electrical Safety in Older Buildings
- November 13 – Researching the History of a Building: Vancouver Public Library
- November 20 – The Vancouver Heritage Register and Heritage Designation – and What It Means for You
- March 4 – Heritage 101: Understanding Heritage Conservation
- April 2 – Neighbourhood Zoning Walk: How We Got to Today’s Chinatown
- April 5 – Researching the History of a Building: Vancouver Archives
- April 8 – Maintenance and Repair of Double-Hung Wood Windows
- April 11 – Researching the History of a Building: Vancouver Public Library
- May 13 – Masonry Workshop
- November 25 – Neighbourhood Zoning Walk: Kitsilano
- November 28 – Paint Stripping and Prepping Interior Wood Surfaces
- February 23 – Researching the History of a Building: Vancouver Archives
- March 1 – Researching the History of a Building: Vancouver Public Library
- March 5 – Heritage 101: Understanding Heritage Conservation
- April 24 – Neighbourhood Zoning Walk: South Shaughnessy
- October 15 – Drafting a Statement of Significance
- October 25 – Navigating City Hall
- October 29 – Neighbourhood Zoning Walk: Delamont Park
- November 22 – Researching the History of a Building: Vancouver Public Library
- March 11 – Researching the History of a Building: Vancouver Archives
- March 18 – Researching the History of a Building: Vancouver Public Library
- March 28 – Heritage Projects: From Idea to Completion
- April 25 – Heritage 101: Understanding Heritage Conservation
- May 9 – Wood Window Restoration and Repair
- November 3 – Researching the History of a Building: Vancouver Public Library
- November 14 – Neighbourhood Zoning Walk: Mt. Pleasant
- November 19 – Drafting a Conservation Plan
- November 25 – Researching the History of a Building: Vancouver Archives
- February 26 – & March 5 – Heritage 101: Introduction to Heritage Conservation
- February 27 – Historic Paint Schemes
- April 1 – Researching at the Library
- April 2 – Energy Retrofits for Older Buildings
- April 5 – Neighbourhood Zoning & History Walk: Strathcona
- April 8 – Researching at the Archives
- April 9 – Interior Wood Paint Stripping
- May 21 – Wood Windows & Storefronts Walk: Chinatown and Strathcona
- October 1 – Researching the History of a Building: Vancouver Public Library
- October 8 – Researching the History of a Building: City of Vancouver Archives
- October 11- Kerrisdale Walk: How Zoning Shaped this Neighbourhood
- November 19 – Knob & Tube Electrical