Regional landscape architect John D. Hershey will link the significance of site context and historic preservation in his keynote address to attendees at the 45th annual meeting of the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County on Wednesday, November 9, at the Lancaster Country Club (circa 1913 in its present location). His presentation’s focus will be the Mayer-Hess Farmstead, a significant Lancaster County historic resource which is located on Fruitville Pike adjacent to the Red Rose Commons shopping area.
“John has been an influential and active member of the Preservation Trust for almost a decade, and we are pleased that he has agreed to address our annual meeting,” said Steve Dietrich, president of the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County. “How he connects the dots between building preservation and that of historic site context will provide us with his always interesting insight. His passion is for urban revitalization. ”
Hershey has served on the Preservation Trust’s Board of Directors since 2006. As a member of its Preservation Action Committee, he closely monitors Lancaster County’s historic properties. Hershey has provided site planning and design service throughout the mid-Atlantic region for nearly 25 years, and he recently became employed by RGS Associates of Brownstown, Pennsylvania. Perhaps best known for Lancaster City’s Binns Park and the Hershey Children’s Garden projects, he has transformed many public and private outdoor spaces. Raised on his family’s Manheim Township strawberry farm, he later graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in landscape architecture, became licensed, and completed all 20 courses in the Longwood Gardens Continuing Education Program before creating and restoring local built and natural environments. Dietrich said the focus of the annual meeting will be the protection of historic buildings and sites in Lancaster County. Dozens of landmarks are enjoyed by resident and visitors today due to the Preservation Trust’s outreach and consultation, he added. A highlight of the annual meeting will be the presentation of historic preservation awards recognizing exemplary achievements in construction, revitalization and volunteerism.
The cost for the dinner and program is $65 for members and $75 for non-members. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with plans to end at 9 p.m.
About the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County Founded in 1966 to “stem the rapid destruction of historic properties in Lancaster County,” the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County’s mission is to preserve and protect Lancaster County’s rich historic and architectural character through education, advocacy and direct action. The trust has been directly involved in preserving more than three dozen important Lancaster County landmarks and has provided advice, assistance and guidance in the protection of others. The trust is a member-supported, 501(c)3 non-profit organization located in the historic Sehner-Ellicott-von Hess House (circa 1787) at 123 North Prince Street in downtown Lancaster. Visit www.hptrust.org for additional information.
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