#2006-23: October 20, 2006 Liberty to host preservation and downtown experts: Two-day conference to offer over 30 sessions Liberty - The Catskill Center for Conservation and Development recently announced that it will be partnering with the Liberty Museum and Arts Center to offer a two-day conference on November 5th and 6th in downtown Liberty. The Catskills’ Preservation Conference, dubbed "Preservation Sunday" will be held on Sunday, November 5th and will focus on educating the public about Catskills’ history, as well as historic preservation issues and techniques. Randy Crawford, a well-known historic preservation architect from the Syracuse area, will deliver the keynote address on the importance and challenges of historic preservation. After lunch, three concurrent tracks - focusing on historic farmhouses, hotels and resorts, and preserving historic barns - will take place. Each track will feature an introductory lecture and slide show, followed by an issue-specific session, and finally hands-on tips and restoration stories. The Weekend of Chamber Music will provide a performance before dinner, followed by a panel discussion on historic preservation as an economic development device. The 10th Annual Main Street Forum, dubbed "Main Street Monday" will be held the following day on Monday, November 6th and offers practical advice and information to communities on downtown revitalization issues. The day will feature concurrent sessions covering basic, intermediate and advanced topics from some of the State’s leading Main Street experts. Topics to be covered include the importance of zoning in Main Street Redevelopment, Redesigning your Main Street shop, strategies for developing upper floors, and an update on the New York Main Street Grant program, to name a few. A dinner reception at the museum will be followed by a panel discussion on the components of a successful Main Street program, and a special performance by Paul Austin of the Liberty Free Theatre. Registration for Sunday is only $40, while Monday’s conference costs $55. Lunch and dinner will be provided both days at the museum, and are included with registration. A combined registration for both days is only $70, and discounted registration rates are available for members of either The Catskill Center or the Liberty Museum. To register, or for more information, please call the Liberty Museum at 292-2394 or The Catskill Center at 586-2611.