Adobe Preservation Resource Guide

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Arizona Preservation Foundation (APF), in partnership with the Arizona State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), is committed to helping communities, property owners, and preservation professionals safeguard Arizona's adobe heritage. Together, APF and SHPO have curated a comprehensive collection of written and online resources designed to support best practices in adobe construction, restoration, and maintenance. Whether you are a homeowner looking to repair an adobe wall, a preservationist working on a historic building, or a student eager to learn more about earth-based architecture, the following resources can help.​

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Online and Nonprofit Resources

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• Cornerstones Community Partnerships – Website
  A leading nonprofit dedicated to preserving historic adobe structures through education, training, and hands-on conservation projects.

• Adobe in Action – Website
  Provides training, workshops, and community programs to promote adobe construction and conservation.

• The Earthbuilders' Guild – Website
  A professional association for adobe and earthen builders offering technical guidance, training, and a subscription newsletter.

 

Education and Training

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• Adobe in Action Online Trainings – Event Calendar
  Workshops and training sessions for all skill levels.

• Adobe Construction Certificate Program – Details
  Structured online coursework for individuals seeking formal training.

• Adobe Is Not Software – Online Classes
  Engaging online classes focused on adobe techniques and sustainability.

• Conference: Earth USA – Learn More
  International conference on earthen architecture, technology, and preservation.

• Adobe Listserv – Join Here
  A long-running email discussion group for adobe enthusiasts and professionals.

 

Media and Publications

 

Videos:

• Cornerstones YouTube Channel – Watch

 

Newsletters:

• Earthbuilders’ Guild Newsletter – Subscribe & Access Archives

 

Podcast:

• Mud Talks Podcast – Listen

 

Books and Technical Guides

• Adobe: Build It Yourself by Paul Graham McHenry – Find a Copy

• Adobe Conservation: A Preservation Handbook – Purchase from Cornerstones

• Ageless Adobe by Jerome Iowa – Find a Copy

• Down to Earth: Adobe Architecture by Jean Dethier – Find a Copy

• Making the Adobe Brick by Eugene Boudreau – Find a Copy

• National Park Service Technical Preservation Brief 5: Preservation of Adobe Buildings – Read Online

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Stay Connected and Share Resources

 

Have a favorite adobe preservation resource we missed? Send us a note – we’d love to add it to the list.

 

Want to stay in the loop?

 

• Join SHPO’s “Adoberos” email list to receive updates and announcements

• Stay Current on News & Events:

  • APF Events Calendar

  • APF Facebook Page

  • SHPO Facebook Page

 

This curated guide reflects APF and SHPO’s shared goal: ensuring that Arizona’s adobe buildings – whether centuries-old missions or 20th-century vernacular homes – remain standing for future generations. Explore these resources to gain the knowledge and confidence to preserve this essential part of Arizona’s architectural and cultural history.