2005 Paul E. Buchanan Award

The Paul E. Buchanan Award was instituted by Vernacular Architecture Forum (VAF) in 1993 to recognize contributions to the study and preservation of vernacular architecture and the cultural landscape that did not take the form of books or published work. Hundreds of studies, reports, documentation projects, restoration plans, National Register nominations, exhibits, video productions and public programs are completed each year without the benefit of distribution or recognition beyond the limited audience for which they were commissioned. However, many of these efforts can serve to inform and inspire us all. Named for Paul E. Buchanan of Williamsburg, Virginia, who inspired many VAF members in the rewards of field work, this award confers credit to the valuable work that most of our members and professional associates perform.

This year's (2005) recipient of the Buchanan Award is (The Corporation for) Jefferson's Poplar Forest, for its path-breaking research, restoration, and interpretation of Thomas Jefferson's Villa Retreat, and its associated field school. At Poplar Forest, a permanent staff allowed the luxury of careful research into proper treatment, as well as insight into Jefferson the builder. Its state-of-the-art restoration entails careful conservation of the existing of fabric and the rekindling of traditional building techniques. Best yet, the entire process of investigation and restoration is open to the general public. Building on the inertia of the discovery process, Poplar Forest began a field school in 1990 to teach young professionals, craftsmen, and students the types of skills that were not offered academically. The award was accepted by Director of Architectural Restoration, Travis McDonald, the man who has guided the process from the start, and helped to make Poplar Forest a national model for restoration and interpretation.

For additional information about this award, see the Vernacular Architecture Forum website.