The FindIt Historic Resource Survey Partnership has been a vital endeavor for more than twenty years, aiding in the identification and documentation of historical resources throughout Georgia. Administered by the College of Environment and Design’s (CED) Center for Community Design & Preservation (CCDP), the initiative trains master’s degree students in practical inventory and analytical methodologies. In collaboration with entities such as the Georgia Transmission Corporation (GTC), FindIt not only facilitates environmental evaluation processes but also enhances Georgia’s historical records. This collaboration proves advantageous for students by providing essential fieldwork experience and improving their professional preparedness.
During this summer, FindIt seized a distinctive chance to partner with the Atlanta division of the engineering company VHB, concentrating on an extensive survey of Meriwether County. The initiative also featured a “field school” to instruct students in surveying historical assets. VHB historians Patrick Bowen and Ricky Yates, along with UGA FindIt graduate Shelby Reed, delivered invaluable guidance, merging academic learning with hands-on experience.
Instruction and Readiness
The summer commenced with a fortnight of in-house training conducted by CCDP director Jennifer Lewis. Students immersed themselves in architectural classifications and styles, strengthening their understanding through engaging exercises like “Jeopardy!” quizzes and local resource surveys in Athens. FindIt intern Nick Dietz noted, “I appreciated examining real-world instances of houses. It not only helped me pinpoint types, styles, modifications, and altered features but also enabled me to observe them repeatedly, aiding in my recognition of these elements in everyday life.” This essential training involved mastering the technique of surveying via paper forms, a pivotal step prior to transitioning to digital instruments in the field.
The post UGA students document Georgia’s historic gems appeared first on UGA Today.