At Christman, we not only value the importance of preserving buildings, we prioritize protecting the stories embedded within them. That mindset is at the heart of our “Don’t Pocket the Past” program, a simple but powerful commitment to stewardship, integrity, and pride in our work.
Introduced during site orientation and reinforced through signage and ongoing engagement with our trade partners, the program ensures that historic artifacts, salvaged materials, and original building elements are respected, documented, and turned over to the client. Whether it’s period hardware, decorative fragments, or unexpected discoveries behind walls, every piece of historic fabric matters, and every team member plays a role in protecting the past.
“Don’t Pocket the Past” is not just a reminder, it’s a guiding principle. It reinforces that history is not a commodity to be collected or discarded. Instead, we treat every element uncovered in the field as part of a larger narrative. From an 18th-century molding detail to original masonry components, these pieces help preserve authenticity and connect communities to their past.
By embedding this mindset into daily operations, we create a culture where everyone, from superintendents to subcontractors, understands their responsibility as stewards of preservation.
The program starts on day one. During site orientation, team members are educated on the history of the building and then review expectations for identifying, protecting, and reporting potential historic artifacts. Clear signage throughout the site reinforces the message, while regular conversations with the trades keep preservation top of mind.
This proactive approach helps prevent accidental loss, encourages communication, and ensures discoveries are handled thoughtfully.
Historic fabric is the soul of a building. These original materials and craftsmanship cannot be recreated once lost. Protecting them requires awareness, patience, and collaboration, values that define Christman’s Historic Preservation Group.
“Don’t Pocket the Past” also fosters pride. When craft professionals understand the significance of what they are working on, they become invested in preserving it. The result is not only better preservation outcomes, but stronger teamwork and a shared sense of purpose.
Successful preservation is always collaborative. When artifacts are identified and properly documented, owners and designers gain valuable insight into the building’s history. These discoveries can inform restoration decisions, enhance interpretation opportunities, and elevate the final project.
By encouraging open communication and responsible stewardship, the “Don’t Pocket the Past” program strengthens partnerships and supports thoughtful preservation planning.
At its core, “Don’t Pocket the Past” is about respect, respect for craftsmanship, for community, and for the generations who built before us. It reflects Christman’s commitment to intentional preservation and our responsibility to protect historic fabric for the future.
When we preserve the past with care, we don’t just restore a building; we carry history forward.