Today it is easy to buy house paint in almost any color. Historically, the color palette was more limited. Certain colors were more popular at certain times. Some colors were more expensive than others. And a few colors were reserved for particular purposes. Join us as we travel through time to explore what colors were likely to be used architecturally and why.

Dr. Cindy Falk, professor of material culture at the Cooperstown Graduate Program, will offer an overview or historic paint colors in this free talk, which is part of the Otsego 2000 Historic Preservation Series. Light refreshments will be served.

“This year's programs are purposefully interdisciplinary, incorporating science and history, as well as aesthetics, as they relate to building design, construction, and use, " says Falk.       

“This historic preservation series builds on the architectural walking tours Cindy led last summer,” said Ellen Pope, executive director of Otsego 2000. “The goal is to enrich our understanding of and appreciation for the built environment in Otsego County.”

Dr. Falk served as co-editor of Buildings & Landscapes: The Journal of the Vernacular Architecture Forum for five years and is the author of Barns of New York: Rural Architecture of the Empire State.

Find out more about the Otsego 2000 Historic Preservation Series