Eric Gradoia
129 Winchester Road • Northfield, Massachusetts 01360
518-429-8696 • eric.gradoia@gmail.com
EDUCATION
University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont. 1997-1998
Historic Preservation Program
Master of Science in Historic Preservation
Concentration: Advanced Materials Conservation
Roger Williams University, Bristol, Rhode Island. 1991-1995
Historic Preservation Program, School of Architecture
Bachelor of Science in Architectural Conservation
Historic Preservation Semester in England. 1994
Study of English preservation practices through site visits, lectures, studio classes, and independent travel
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Mesick • Cohen • Wilson • Baker Architects, Albany, New York. April 2022 - Present, March 2004 to September 2017
Architectural Conservator/Historian
• Development of Historic Structure Reports, Architectural Conservation Assessments, Master Plans and Preservation Plans
• Recording of existing conditions through photography, measured drawings and written descriptions
• Design of preservation sensitive treatment and repair options
Independent Consulting. 2001 - Present
Providing a broad range of services within the fields of historic preservation, building archaeology, and architectural history. Services and deliverables include:
• NPS qualified 36CFR61 Architectural Historian.
• American Institute for Conservation (AIC) Foundation for Advancement in Conservation (FAIC) Collections Assessment for Preservation (CAP) Assessor (see below for list of assessments)
• Historic Structure Reports (HSR) and Condition Reports/Conditions Surveys
• Architectural Investigations for Dating and/or Chronological Evolution of Buildings
• Architectural Documentation, Archival Research, Grant Writing
• Request for Proposals (RFP)/Request for Qualifications (RFQ)
Historic Deerfield, Inc., Deerfield, Massachusetts. October 2017 to April 2022
Director of Historic Preservation
• Oversee the repair and restoration of the museum’s 55 structures dating from the early Eighteenth-century to the late Twentieth-century
• Conduct building archaeology and archival research to understand the chronological evolution and construction of museum buildings and regional architecture
• Curate the museum’s collection of architectural fragments
• Prepare lectures and articles for the general public, professional organizations, educational institutions, and staff training
Massachusetts Historical Commission, Boston, Massachusetts. April 1999 to March 2004
Project Manager, Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund Program
• Management of state funded construction and research projects on National Register properties for compliance with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties
• Technical assistance with the development and implementation of construction documents, request for proposals, treatment recommendations and project methodology
• Monitor compliance with Massachusetts state laws concerning bidding procedures and procurement requirements for public and not-for-profit organizations
• National Register Evaluation Team
Architectural Conservation and Education Service. February 1997 to December 1998
The University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
Paid Consultant
• Barre Historical Society - Barre, Vermont - Prepared the nomination to successfully place the Socialist Labor Party Hall on the National Register of Historic Places
• Barre Historical Society - Existing conditions report and decorative finish analysis of Socialist Labor Party Hall stage area
• Wings Point Management - New York City, New York. - Decorative finish analysis for Pier A rehabilitation project
U.S./ICOMOS International Summer Intern Program. June to September 1998
National Trust for Historic Places (UK)
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Gardens, North Yorkshire, England
• Existing condition reports for eighteenth and nineteenth-century masonry buildings
• Documented structures, sites, and maintenance projects through written descriptions and 35mm black and white photography
• Developed conservation sensitive treatment recommendations for maintenance and repair of buildings
• Drafted stabilization treatments for structures awaiting repair
COLLECTIONS ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (CAP) - COMPLETED AS AN INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT
Jason Russell House (c.1740), Arlington, Massachusetts
Darling House (c.1774), Amity-Woodbridge Historical Society, Woodbridge, Connecticut
Henry Sheldon Museum (1829), Middlebury, Vermont
Shirley-Eustis House Association (1747), Boston, Massachusetts
Henry Whitfield State Museum (c. 1639 with 19th and early 20th century improvements), Guilford, Connecticut
Susan B. Anthony Birthplace and Museum (c. 1820), North Adams, Massachusetts
Emily Dickinson Museum: The Homestead and the Evergreens. (1813 and 1856), Amherst, Massachusetts
Firefighters Association for the State of New York (Early and mid 20th century buildings), Hudson, New York
Wellfleet Historical Society (c.1820 and c.1840), Wellfleet, Massachusetts
Sharon Historical Society (c.1775), Sharon, Massachusetts
Hanford Mills Museum (1820 -1890s building), East Meredith, New York
REPORTS COMPLETED AS AN INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT
Jones Library Historic Structure Report (1928), Amherst, Massachusetts. In collaboration with Professor Ann Marshall, UMASS School of Architecture
The Cadman-White-Handy House: A History of Owners and Families. Westport Historical Society. 2014
Cadman-White-Handy House (c.1712/c.1798/c.1825), Westport, Massachusetts. 2011
Helfand Farm (c.1840), Dartmouth, Massachusetts. 2014
HISTORIC STRUCTURE REPORTS
George Markell Farmstead (1865), Frederick County, Maryland
Monticello, Textile Workshop (c. 1778), Charlottesville, Virginia
William Henry Harrison’s Grouseland (1804), Vincennes, Indiana
Hoffman (1789) and Reynold (c.1810) Houses, Poughkeepsie, New York
Farmington Country Club Original Buildings (c.1785), Charlottesville, Virginia
Governor Henry Lippitt House (1865), Providence, Rhode Island
The Evergreens (1856), Amherst, Massachusetts
Philbrook, Museum (1920), Tulsa, Oklahoma
Cherry Cottage (1782), Stockbridge, Massachusetts
Pavilion III (1824), University of Virginia
Pavilion X (1824), University of Virginia
Hotel A (1823), University of Virginia
Hotel F/Levering Hall (1824), University of Virginia
ARCHITECTURAL INVESTIGATIONS
Homestead Library and Conservatory Restoration (1856 Target Date), Amherst, Massachusetts
Wilton (1753), Richmond, Virginia
Homestead, Emily Dickinson Museum: Emily’s Bedroom restoration (1856 Target Date), Amherst, Massachusetts
Maryland Old Senate Chamber (1783), Annapolis, Maryland
Gore Place (1806), Waltham, Massachusetts (Multiple investigations over years)
Farmington Country Club Survey of Buildings, Charlottesville, Virginia
Carter’s Grove (1750), Williamsburg, Virginia
Stratford Hall (1738), Stratford, Virginia
Homestead Architectural Investigation (1813), Amherst, Massachusetts
Colonnade Study (1825), University of Virginia
Hampton Mansion (1790), Towson, Maryland
Mark Twain Carriage House (1874), Hartford, Connecticut
CONDITION ASSESSMENTS
Phelps Farm (1816), Hadley, Massachusetts
Pittstown Town Hall (c.1835), Pittstown, New York
Tyringham Library (1905) Roof Assessment, Tyringham, Massachusetts
The Evergreens (1856), Exterior Conditions, Amherst, Massachusetts
Canfield Casino (1870/1910) Interior Assessment, Saratoga Springs, New York
The Evergreens (1856), Basement Drainage, Amherst, Massachusetts
Oswego City Hall (1870), Oswego, New York
Lasell Hall (1795), Schoharie, New York
Lippitt House Cornice Survey, Providence, Rhode Island
Christ Church (1735), Irvington, Virginia
8th Avenue Reservoir (Late 19th century), Nashville, Tennessee
Salem Presbyterian Church (c.1830), Salem, New York
Arcola Slave Quarters (Late 18th century), Arcola, Maryland
Pavilion X Exterior Condition Assessment (1824), University of Virginia
Mathews County Courthouse (1795 Courthouse with 19th and early 20th century structures), Mathews County, Virginia
Corinth Rail Station (Early 20th century), Corinth, New York
Essex Community Church (1853), Essex, New York
Ochre Point (1884), Newport, Rhode Island
Tudor Place (1815), Washington, D.C.
MASTER PLANS
Hill House, Brick House & Neversink Valley Museums Preservation Plan, Orange County, New York
Pope Villa (1811), Lexington, Kentucky
Stockade Flood Mitigation Study, Schenectady, New York. Survey of 65 buildings dating between the late 18th century and early 20th century.
University of Virginia: Survey of 150 post-Jefferson buildings, Charlottesville, Virginia. Getty Trust funded Master Plan.
William and Mary:Sunken Garden Campus (1923), Williamsburg, Virginia. Getty Trust funded Master Plan.
Florida Southern College: The Frank Lloyd Wright Campus (1939-1959), Lakeland, Florida. Getty Trust funded Master Plan.
The Emily Dickinson Museum Master Plan, Amherst, Massachusetts
ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE
Roger Williams University, Bristol, Rhode Island. Spring Semester 2007 - 2015 , September 2001 to March 2004
Historic Preservation Program, School of Architecture
Adjunct Faculty
• HP150: Introduction to Historic Preservation. The goals of this course are twofold; one, to acquaint students with the evolution of Historic Preservation in contemporary American culture; and two, to allow students to explore the varied professional disciplines available in this broadening field. To achieve this, the course incorporates a variety of speakers and site visits as a means of exposing students to real world projects and professions. Field trips allow students to further explore historical sites, historic districts and museums, in order to learn about conservation practices, contemporary issues and heritage education.
• HP160: American Architecture and the Western Tradition. A chronological study of American architectural styles from 1620 to 1940. The course examines vernacular and high style architecture and explores European influences and inspiration.
• HP301/503: Architectural Conservation. Provides an overview of the professional role of the architectural conservator in the preservation of historic structures. It addresses architectural styles, construction technology, and dating techniques; the composition, properties, uses, and conservation of traditional building materials and systems; conservation standards, treatments and practices.
• HP341: Preindustrial America. A focused look at American vernacular architecture from 1620 to 1820. Fields of study includes European archetypes, building systems, house plans, and social customs.
• HP382/582: Architectural Conservation Lab. A study of the manufacture, composition, properties, uses, craft traditions, and conservation of traditional building materials and systems – wood, metal, glass, decorative finishes, and masonry – and the architectural context in which they are employed.
Hudson Valley Community College, Workforce Development Office in Partnership with the New York State Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. 2015
Paid Consultant
• Worked as part of a three person team to develop the curriculum for a historic wood window rehabilitation course, the first module of a traditional trades program jointly being developed by HVCC and NY SHPO.
Boston Architectural Center, Boston, Massachusetts
Historic Preservation Certificate Program
Adjunct Faculty September 2002 to March 2004
• TM573: Traditional Construction. Examines common building materials and construction systems used in New England architecture from the seventeenth century through the mid-twentieth century. Addresses their properties, methods of manufacture, how they perform and how they fail.
LECTURES
Techniques for Dating Historic Structures. Historic Eastfield Foundation. A three day seminar on the identification of specific architectural elements and details used in the dating process. This includes the evolution of molding styles, hardware, window and door treatments, fireplaces, timber framing methods, also tell-tale signs such as saw, hand plane and planer marks. Eastfield Villiage, Nassau, New York. June 17&18, 2024. August 24-26 2016. (Copresenter)
Sources of Inspiration: Architectural Treatise and Builders Guides in the Era Before Benjamin. The First Mechanic of New England: The Architectural Legacy of Asher Benjamin. Connecticut Landmarks, October 7, 2023.
Architecture of Early New England: The Built Environment of Northfield, Massachusetts. Given as part of Northfield’s 350th Anniversary programming. A discussion of the various aspects and evolution of New England architecture from the late-17th century to the beginning of the 20th century. While strongly rooted in tradition, New England dwelling houses have drawn inspiration from both near and far thru time, combining old and new ideas into homes unique to this region. Examples of Northfield’s vernacular architecture are used to illustrate changes in tastes and trends, styles, and building technology over the centuries that have helped to shape the built environment around us. Accompanied by walking tours of Main Street to view representative examples of building types and characteristic features. May 10, 2023. Walking tours May and September 2023.
Out of the Fire and into the Oven: Domestic New England Kitchens to 1870. Heart of the House: Exploring New England’s Historic Kitchens. Historic Deerfield Spring Forum. One day forum focusing on the material culture and functions of the historic New England kitchen and its workspaces, including issues of domestic life and labor, class and wealth, space and room use, gender, technology, and the quest for greater efficiency. April 22, 2023.
Places of Comfort and Convenience: The American Dwelling House in the Mid-Nineteenth Century. Paper presented at 2021 Early New England Architecture Symposium, Building in the Picturesque: Domestic Architecture in the Age of Industry, 1840-1870. Historic Deerfield (Online Webinar), July 2021.
The Architectural Evolution of New England Domestic Kitchens. Wined and Dined: Setting the New England Table. Historic Deerfield Decorative Arts Symposium. October 4-6, 2019
The Vernacular Architecture of the Southcoast. An overview of the seventeenth, eighteenth, and early-nineteenth century domestic architecture of the Southcoast. A discussion of common house forms, building plans, and architectural details unique to each period will be explored. The evolution of the common domestic residence will be examined with respect to changes in architectural trends, advances in construction technology, and the role social customs played in the arrangement of one’s home. Westport Historical Society, Westport, Massachusetts. June 20, 2015.
The Architectural Evolution of the Parlour. Historic Eastfield Foundation. A Peek Inside the Parlour: 1780 – 1860. Eastfield Villiage, Nassau, New York. August 2 – 4, 2010. (Copresenter)
The Age of Technology in American Buildings. Historic Eastfield Foundation. Modern America: A Decade of Remarkable Change: 1840 – 1850. Eastfield Villiage, Nassau, New York. August 24 – 26, 2009. (Copresenter)
Inside the Greek Revival House: A Look at the Domestic Architecture of Pittstown, New York. Historic Eastfield Foundation. The Greek Revival House in America: 1830- 1865. Eastfield Villiage, Nassau, New York. August 11- 13, 2008.
PRINT ARTICLES
Restoration of the Decorative Finishes in Barnard Tavern’s Assembly Room. Historic Deerfield, Vol. 21, (Spring 2024), 54-59.
Exploring Barnard Tavern: Traditional Architecture for Commercial Use. The Dublin Seminar for New England Folklife, Annual Proceedings 2019. Edited by Peter Benes. (93-103).
Rise of the Picturesque:Cottage Architecture Reaches Deerfield. Historic Deerfield, Vol. 17, (Autumn 2018), 51-55.
FILM/VIDEO
The Cadman-White-Handy House interpretive video. Provided commentary on the architecture and chronological evolution of the house. Westport Historical Society, 2014.
Cherry Cottage: The Story of An American House. A feature-length documentary telling the story of America through the owners and inhabitants of a small cottage in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Provided interviews on the style, evolution, and restoration of the house. 2012.
ORGANIZATIONS AND AFFILIATIONS
The Landmark Trust: USA, Board Member 2022 - Present
American Institute of Conservation (previously Heritage Preservation)
Collections Assessment Program (CAP) Assessor 2003 - Present
Historic Eastfield Foundation, Board Member 2015 - 2018
Society of Architectural Historians, Turpin Bannister Chapter,Board Member 2007 - 2012
Association for Preservation Technology, Board Member 2004 - 2005
SKILLS
Proficient in AutoCAD, Adobe InDesign and Illustrator, Microsoft Office Suite
Project documentation through field sketches/notes, digital photography and written work summaries