Historic Preservation Trust of Berks County to hold gala dinner

The Historic Preservation Trust of Berks County (HPTBC) will celebrate another year with our third annual gala dinner “A Celebration of the George Douglass House” on Saturday, Nov. 3, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Reading Public Museum. Join us for a beautiful evening of good food and drink as we highlight the important work of the Trust and its many 2018 accomplishments. The highlight of this year’s dinner will be a presentation on the George Douglass House, which is currently undergoing restoration.

Historian Thomas Lainhoff’s presentation on the George Douglass House will outline the architectural and historical importance of the structure. The House was built circa 1763 by colonial entrepreneur George Douglass and has undergone several changes and additions. It remains an impressive example of Georgian architecture. Mr. Lainhoff’s presentation will include a brief description of the elements of the fiveyear structural stabilization and restoration of the building. Topics covered will include the flooring, woodwork, and plasterwork in the parlors, hallways, and chambers in the house, and the plastered cove cornice and shingled pent roof on the exterior.

Tom Lainhoff worked for 35 years for the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission at various historic sites including Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum and Washington Crossing Historic Park. Additionally he served as Director of Gunston Hall in Virginia from 1992 through 2003. Since 2007, he and his son Chris have conducted their historic carpentry and joinery craft as “Museum Quality Building Restorations”, including major preservation and restoration projects on the Trust’s Keim Homestead, a National Historic Landmark. They are currently working on the George Douglass House, as well as the Trust’s Mouns Jones House, both on the National Register of Historic Places.

Pre-purchased tickets are required for this event. The cost is $60 for HPT members and $70 for non-members. The ticket includes catered dinner and two drinks. Please visit www. historicpreservationtrust. org for additional ticket information.