San Gemini Preservation Studies

We are now accepting applications for our summer 2018 field school, the San Gemini Preservation Studies Program.
Now in its 20th year, with alumni from over 170 colleges and universities worldwide, SGPS is dedicated to the preservation of cultural heritage. We offer students the opportunity to study and travel in Italy where they acquire hands-on experience in preservation and restoration.
Session One (May 28 – June 22)
Building Restoration – Touching the Stones
Restoration of Traditional Masonry Buildings and Sketching & Analyzing Historic Buildings
(Program includes lectures and restoration field projects*)
Archaeological Ceramics Restoration
Analysis and Restoration of Archaeological Ceramics in Italy
(Program includes lectures and restoration workshop)
Book Bindings Restoration
The Craft of Making and Restoring Book Bindings
Introduction to the Conservation of Books and Bindings
(Program includes lectures and practical workshop)
Session Two (July 9 – August 3)
Paper Restoration
Restoration and Conservation of Paper in Books and Archival Documents
(Program includes lectures and restoration workshop)
Traditional Painting Techniques
Traditional Materials, Methods of Painting and Art Restoration Issues
(Program includes lectures and painting workshop)
Preservation Theory and Practice in Italy 
Restoration Theory, Ethics and Issues
(Program includes lectures and discussion)
NEW RESEARCH PROJECT: Carsulae Roman Baths Excavation Project
Architectural & Structural Survey of the Site
(Program includes research and surveying field work*)
*Field Projects:
Restoration of the façade of the medieval church of San Carlo (13th century)
Analysis of medieval buildings in San Gemini as part of an urban study of the city
Architectural and structural survey of the baths in the ancient Roman city of Carsulae
Short Inter-Session Program
Preservation Field Trip – Italy (June 24 – July 3)
A ten-day trip visiting Siena, Florence and Rome: places of cultural interest, the urban and historical development of each town, and specialized visits to places of interest to restorers.
To find out more about our program and review the syllabi, please visit our WEBSITE.
Our courses are open to students from various disciplines, both undergraduate and graduate. All lessons are taught in English.