National Center for Preservation Technology and Training - Archived

03/23/2026

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01/21/2025

Check out our latest 3D Flythrough video of Planter's House and Kitchen! Follow the link at https://youtu.be/JCWC4NyNh-M.

In 1789, Zephaniah Kingsley, Jr. established the oldest plantation home in Florida when he built Kingsley Plantation on Fort George. In 1811, Kingsley freed and married a slave girl named Anta Majigeen (Anna Jai) Ndiaye, whom he purchase as a slave in Havana, Cuba in 1806. The Kingsley's resided at this plantation for 25 years, during which fruit, indigo, and cotton were cultivated by enslaved labor. Anna Kingsley assisted in the operations of his plantation. Even successfully petitioned the Spanish government for five acres of land. For this property, Anna Jai purchased her own slaves, thus establishing her as an slave owner. By 1843, Zephaniah had died and Anna fought and won a court battle, brought on by his white relatives, that contested Kingsley will leaving his estate to Anna and their children.

Today, the plantation is part of the National Park Service at Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve. The park preserve the memory and cultural life of both the Kingsley's and their enslaved workers in 18th Century Colonial Spain. The kitchen at the plantation holds interpret panels explaining Anna's life and how she operated the plantation.

NCPTT laser scanned this building using the Faro Focus S Laser Scanner to produce this video 3D flythrough model of the building's digital point cloud.

Video Credit: NPS-NCPTT
Music Credit: Venkatesananda by Jesse Gallagher

Video Description: [music] Rotating 3D point cloud of a building.

01/17/2025

Latest article by Dr. Cooper just came out in Park Science. It features our first child-height virtual tours made at Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park and highlights creative use of technology for interpretation of historical sites.
https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/psv39n1_3d-tech-puts-focus-on-children-s-world-in-early-mills.htm

01/16/2025

NEW Memories Podcast!

In Episode 42, Jim Colley interviews Francois Mignon again, this time they discuss more about Mignon’s time at Melrose Plantation and his work in cultivating the arts there, his time with author Lyle Saxon, and his interactions with local artists and artisans.

Click the link to read or listen to the episode: https://ow.ly/2wbE50QuAVM.

Photo Credit: NPS-NCPTT

Cane River National Heritage Area Cane River Creole National Historical Park

01/13/2025

Made a visit to the site of the original Nakatosh brick factory. Stay tuned we will post more later on the history of this site and the company.

01/12/2025

Great opportunity for middle school teachers!

📚🎉 Calling all Louisiana middle school teachers! 🌟

Join us for the Creole Teacher Institute in beautiful Natchitoches, LA, from June 2-4, 2025!

🌿 What’s in store?
✅ Learn about Creole history and culture.
✅ Take part in engaging workshops and leave with ready-to-use lesson plans for grades 6-8.
✅ Enjoy exclusive tours of Fort St. John Baptiste, Melrose on the Cane, NCPPT, and the iconic Oakland & Magnolia Plantations.

🏨 Bonus: This event is FREE, and overnight accommodations are included!

👩‍🏫 Open to 20 Louisiana middle school teachers (grades 6-8). Don’t miss your chance to bring history to life for your students!

📧 For more info, contact [email protected].

📌 Save the date and tag a teacher who would love this experience!

01/11/2025

01/10/2025

After a nice break during the holidays we are back on social media! Back in the this week looking at spray foam insulation and its adverse effects on wooden structures in the humid south.

12/19/2024

NEW Memories Podcast!

In Episode 40, David Dollar speaks with William Shelette about horse racing around Natchitoches.

Click the link to read or listen to the episode: https://ow.ly/2wbE50QuAVM.

Photo Credit: NPS-NCPTT

Cane River National Heritage Area Cane River Creole National Historical Park

12/18/2024

When you get to a site and really regret not bring your laser scanner with you!! Don’t worry we will be back soon! Who doesn’t love a good outhouse. Imagine how close you would have to be for a three seat outhouse!

12/17/2024

Check out our latest 3D Flythrough video of Kingsley's Barn! Follow the link at https://youtu.be/3oprIxCdQUM.

The barn at Kingsley Plantation was built in stages constructed by enslaved people. The first section was poured in layers in the same way as the tabby cabins (a shell and lime mortar mix cast in place). The second section was made of tabby bricks, produced and layered by enslaved craftsmen. Original used as a storage space and building for animals is now used as an education and interpret space for the park. The original section currently holds exhibits panels and a large sugar kettle.

NCPTT laser scanned this building using the Faro Focus S Laser Scanner to produce this video 3D flythrough model of the building's digital point cloud.

Video Credit: NPS-NCPTT
Music Credit: Fresh Fallen Snow by Chris Haugen

Video Description: [music] Rotating 3D point cloud of a building.

12/16/2024

Had the privilege today to visit the old St. Mary’s Cemetery off Little River in Natchitoches, LA. If not for the decedent families taking us there we would never have found it. Now to start working to documenting the cemetery.