معرفی
Thomas Durant Visser is a Professor in the Department of History at the University of Vermont, where he has taught since 1985. He is a key faculty member in the Historic Preservation Program within the College of Arts and Sciences, contributing extensively to research, teaching, and public engagement in historic preservation.
- Position: Professor
- Institution: University of Vermont
- School: College of Arts and Sciences
- Department: Department of History
- Program: Historic Preservation Program
- Email: thomas.visser@uvm.edu
- Office: Wheeler House, Room 204, 133 S Prospect St, Burlington, VT 05401
Education
- MS, Vermont, 1986
Research Interests
Professor Visser's scholarly work centers on the preservation of vernacular buildings and American building technology. His expertise includes historic preservation planning and policy, architectural conservation, and the study of historic buildings and sites. He has conducted extensive fieldwork and documentation, including nearly two hundred professional reports and nominations to the National Register of Historic Places.
His research bridges academic scholarship with community-based preservation, emphasizing public education and outreach. His interests extend to the cultural significance of architectural features such as porches, as explored in his book Porches of North America.
Publications and Creative Works Trends
While specific article titles and years are not listed in the provided texts, Visser's publications appear in leading preservation journals such as Bulletin of the Association for Preservation Technology, Preservation Education & Research, Vermont History, and New England Quarterly. His creative output includes books, professional reports, videos, and digital projects, often focusing on regional architecture and community memory. His works reflect a consistent theme of connecting historical structures with cultural identity and public understanding.
Scientific Awards
- National Endowment for the Arts grant award
- Award for Field Guide to New England Barns and Farm Buildings
Advising and Grants
Professor Visser has advised numerous students through the Historic Preservation Program, though specific names are not listed. He has secured significant external funding, including a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, supporting his research on vernacular buildings. His class projects, such as the 'Historic Burlington Project', demonstrate active student engagement in applied preservation work.
Labs, Teams, and Projects
Visser leads and contributes to collaborative projects involving students, professionals, and community organizations. His work includes the 'Historic Burlington Project' (HP 206 / HP 5206), public workshops, and video productions on topics like New England barns and porches. He has produced educational videos hosted on platforms like YouTube and UVM Streaming, and maintains digital archives such as 'Center Harbor Memories'. These initiatives reflect an interdisciplinary, community-engaged approach to historic preservation.
