Are you smitten with the character and charm of your historic home but find yourself losing sleep over those maintenance mysteries?
Fear not, preservation enthusiasts! The solution to your century-old home headaches awaits at the highly anticipated annual NKY Restoration Weekend on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Newport Intermediate School in Newport, Kentucky.
Imagine getting answers to your historic home questions in one day: those box gutters, the slate roof that’s seen better days, the cracks in the plaster, and that brick repointing project you’ve been putting off since you moved in. The expertise you need is finally within reach and at no charge.
“This isn’t just another home improvement convention,” said Kaitlin Bryan, Covington’s Historic Preservation Specialist and event organizer. “It’s a restoration revolution where old-house lovers can find their tribe, connect with craftspeople who speak the language of historical architecture, and walk away with the confidence to bring their vintage homes back to life.”
Beth Johnson, Executive Director of Cincinnati Preservation Association, who helped bring this long-running event to reality, echoes this enthusiasm. “NKY Restoration is an invaluable day filled with knowledge, tips, and best practices for the historic homeowner. It’s a day to learn from experts, connect with tradespeople, and create community with fellow old building lovers.”
Learn from the Experts
This year’s lineup features preservation experts ready to transform you from a nervous novice to confident in bringing in a contractor or ready to step up your learning to DIY:
- Plaster – learn what it takes to repair those walls without demolishing history
- Windows – revealing the secrets of wood window rehabilitation that put vinyl to shame
- Gutter – demystifying the art of box gutter maintenance and what it takes to repair when not maintained
- Masonry – demonstrating the craft of proper repointing techniques so you don’t end up with bigger issues
- Kentucky incentives – navigating the world of Kentucky historic tax credits for a 30% reimbursement on qualified projects
- Real estate and insurance specialists – breaking down the unique aspects of buying, insuring, and financing historic properties
- And much more!
A Community Celebration of Architectural Heritage
Now in its nineteenth year, NKY Restoration has grown from a small gathering of preservation enthusiasts to a big deal to owners of historic houses in our region.
“What makes this event special is the sense of community,” says founding member Jody Robinson. “There’s something incredibly rewarding about being in a room full of people who understand the joys and challenges of living in a piece of history.”
NKY Restoration is the collaborative effort of a passionate collective of historic preservation enthusiasts, including business leaders, non-profit champions, and Historic Preservation offices from across Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati who are dedicated to protecting the region’s irreplaceable architectural heritage.
With up to 300 preservation-minded attendees expected, this event serves as both educational summit and community celebration of the region’s rich architectural legacy. Whether you’re a first-time old home buyer or a seasoned renovator, you’ll find inspiration and practical solutions for your historic property journey.
If You Go
WHAT: NKY Restoration Weekend 2025
WHEN: Saturday, May 17, 2025
WHERE: Newport Intermediate School, Newport, KY
REGISTRATION: www.nkyrestorationweekend.com
DEADLINE: Online registration closes at 3:00 PM on Friday, May 16, 2025
(In-person registration will be available Saturday morning)
COST: FREE! (Includes complimentary parking, morning coffee & snacks courtesy of Biggby Coffee, and lunch from a selection of local restaurants)
IMPORTANT: Sessions are filling up quickly! Register today to secure your spot at this can’t-miss event for anyone who owns, loves, or dreams of restoring a historic property.
For more information and to register, visit www.nkyrestorationweekend.com.
Our partners come in many forms, including subject matter experts, sponsors, volunteers, and the backbone of preservation for Kentucky, the Kentucky Heritage Council. Nicole Roth, Kentucky Office of Historic Preservation (KYSHPO) Site Identification Program Administrator, commented, “The Kentucky Heritage Council is proud to continue supporting Northern Kentucky Restoration Weekend through the Certified Local Government (CLG) program. This event provides a valuable opportunity for homeowners to learn about the tools and techniques necessary to care for their historic homes, as well as expert guidance on everything from structural repairs to the historic rehabilitation tax credit program. Through the collaboration of local, state, and federal partners, we are able to make these essential resources free and open to the public.”
Covington Economic Development’s Historic Preservation Office and Newport’s Historic Preservation Office are founding members of NKY Restoration and are among the sponsors of this event. Hempleman Contracting and Pella Window and Doors of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky are the event’s Historic-level sponsors. This event was funded in part with Federal funds from the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, and administered by the Kentucky Heritage Council. The contents and opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of the Interior, nor does the mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation by the Department of the Interior.
The event organizers emphasize that while the focus is on education, the atmosphere is relaxed and social.
“There’s a certain magic that happens when you get hundreds of old-house enthusiasts together in one place,” Bryan adds. “The connections made here often last well beyond the event itself, creating an informal network of support for homeowners tackling similar projects.”Registration is now open at www.nkyrestorationweekend.com, and early registration is encouraged as popular workshop sessions typically fill quickly.
