Geoffrey E. Melhuish
Architectural Conservator and Historian

At an early age, I learned to appreciate the beauty of the built environment. I grew up in a small community twenty miles outside of Boston Massachusetts and was influenced by the city's architecture and historic charm. My family has a long history in architecture, development, and historic preservation. Spending Sunday dinners with my grandparents in their rescued and restored Italianate residence, I recall stories of my great uncle who developed the first electrified apartment building in Manchester Connecticut or my great aunt who with her sister, both in their eighties, bought a c. 1790 house in New Hampshire and lovingly restored it taking particular care to preserve the Rufus Porter murals and other decorative finishes throughout the house. These are the fondest memories of my childhood and a strong influence on the path I took toward preservation.

In my role as Architectural Conservator/Historian, I look to the past for guidance. Peeling back the layers, literally and figuratively, provides an insight into the history of a building and informs us of the choices that were made. Investigation also informs decision making with respect to retaining the historic character while incorporating modern materials. Whether it is a gate house of a historic estate in Massachusetts, a lighthouse off the coast of New Hampshire or a small chapel in America's first national cemetery in Washington D.C., all walls do talk, it's just learning how to listen that is important.

I received a Bachelor of Science in Historic Preservation from the School of Architecture, Art and Historic Preservation at Roger Williams University and I studied Architecture and Landscape Preservation abroad at Wroxton College in Oxfordshire, England. Additionally, I have furthered my preservation education with courses in mortar analysis and paint pigment identification. My fondness of the past and desire to improve our surrounding environment has led me to have served many years on the board of Greater Portland Landmarks and the Bayside Community Development Corporation.