The Union Historical Society invites the public to a special presentation, “Preserving History Through Deconstruction: The Story of Second Story Builders,” featuring Danny Salomon, founder of Second Story Builders, on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. The program will be held at The Old Town House, 128 Town House Road, Union, Maine 04862. Admission is free and the event is open to the public.

What happens to the history embedded in an old building when the building itself must come down? Historic preservation has traditionally focused on preserving significant buildings in their original form, while demolition can mean the complete loss of the history and materials they contain, according to the Historical Society, in a news release.

"Deconstruction offers a third path, one that allows us to carefully take a building apart, recover and preserve the materials and artifacts within it, and give them new life in the buildings of tomorrow," said the Society.

In this presentation, Danny Salomon will explore what happens when we deconstruct rather than demolish, and the many forms of history and value that can be recovered in the process. He will share how Second Story Builders uses deconstruction and circular construction not only to preserve pieces of Maine’s built heritage, but also as an educational opportunity, giving people hands-on experience with historic materials while helping pass along building skills, knowledge, and stories from one generation to the next.

"This engaging program offers a unique perspective on historic preservation, sustainability, and the importance of preserving both the physical materials and the stories that connect us to Maine’s past," said the news release.

For more information, please contact the Union Historical Society at 785-5444.