Architectural Conservation Program Begins at Eastern State

As the winter weather approaches, the students will continue their work indoors on various independent projects. Laura Mass will conduct a study of the history of the penitentiary’s synagogue, as well as perform a materials condition analysis of the area. Jeremy Wells will be conducting a conditions study of the first floor of the Rotunda. Jorge Danta is planning to research the iron balusters in the two-story Haviland cellblocks and, if time permits, he will also research the murals that were created by inmates in the Chaplain’s office. As a group, the students will collaborate to build skylight covers for the skylights in cellblocks 2, 9 and 10.

This experience is a wonderful opportunity for both the students and Eastern State. While they are gaining valuable applied training in their field of study, Eastern State is benefited with help on small, yet extremely important projects. This architectural conservation program has been made possible through funding from the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission in 2002 and will continue through a new grant in 2003.

This year’s work-study students arrived to Eastern State with impressive experience and significant academic achievements. Jorge Danta has a strong background in art history and has completed internships with several fine arts establishments in Miami, Florida. Laura Mass is currently the curatorial assistant at The Museum of the City of New York and was also a project assistant at The Jewish Museum in New York.

Han Salzman is proficient in several languages and has worked as a translator in Europe and also as a draftsperson at the University of Pennsylvania Museum. Jeremy Wells worked closely with various historic conservation efforts in Missouri and pioneered a grass-roots movement to save a historically significant hotel from demolition.