Historic Preservation is Our Passion
Ville Painters restoring the historic façade of the Fulton Theatre, one of the oldest continuously operating theatres in the United States. Built by Christopher Hagar in 1852 as a community gathering space, Fulton Hall was transformed into a theatre in 1873 and renamed the Fulton Opera House
At Ville Painters Inc., one of our deepest passions is historic preservation. Our purpose has always been to create extraordinary experiences by revitalizing living and workspaces — preserving the past while enriching the future. For us, painting an old home isn’t simply a project; it’s an opportunity to honor the stories embedded in its walls, to respect the craftsmanship of earlier generations, and to ensure that beauty and history endure for years to come.
Historic preservation is about more than just protecting old buildings — it’s about keeping our cultural heritage alive. Here in Lancaster County, and especially in Lancaster City, historic homes are everywhere, many of them older than the United States itself. These structures tell the story of our community’s growth and character, and working on them allows us to connect deeply with that history.
The National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) is a list of over 1.5 million buildings, districts, structures, and landmarks recognized for their historical significance. Managed by the National Park Service, the register serves as a resource for property owners and preservationists, offering recognition, guidance, and sometimes financial incentives such as tax credits for preservation work.
While being listed on the NRHP doesn’t automatically guarantee protection, it does signify that the property is worth preserving and honoring. A home’s inclusion depends on meeting specific criteria — generally, it must be at least 50 years old and significant for its architecture, history, or cultural contributions.
Lancaster’s Historic Legacy
Wheatland — home of President James Buchanan, one of Lancaster’s most famous historic sites. This home was built in 1828 by an unknown architect for Attorney William Jenkins. Ville Painters sponsors Lancaster History’s Music on the lawn which takes place on the back lawn featured here.
Lancaster, founded in 1730, is one of the oldest inland towns in the United States and home to an impressive collection of historic structures. Some of these are officially recognized on the NRHP, while others are protected under state or local designations. Wheatland, built in 1828, is perhaps Lancaster’s most famous historic house, once the home of President James Buchanan and now preserved as a museum. Many other historic homes line Marietta Avenue, each with its own story and architectural character.
But not all historic treasures are on the official register. Throughout Lancaster County, numerous farmsteads from the 1700s still stand, their original stone, timber, and craftsmanship remarkably intact. We’ve had the privilege of working on many of these properties, carefully restoring their surfaces to protect them from weather, age, and wear without compromising their authenticity.
Preserving More Than Just “Historic” Homes
Even if a home is not officially designated as “historic,” it may still be decades old and rich in character. At Ville Painters, we believe that every older home — whether recognized by the NRHP or not — deserves the same level of care, respect, and craftsmanship. We approach these projects with the same attention to detail, ensuring that the home’s unique features are preserved and enhanced rather than replaced or erased.
How We Care for Historic Properties
Working on historic structures requires patience, specialized skills, and an understanding of traditional materials and methods. In many cases, we begin by gently removing loose or failing paint without damaging the underlying surfaces. We restore intricate trim, caulk and seal gaps to protect from moisture, and repair or reglaze original windows to extend their life. Each task is carried out with the intent of maintaining the building’s “soul” — the subtle imperfections and hand-crafted details that make it unique.
When a project calls for highly specialized preservation work, we partner with local P\preservation contractors and historians to ensure the highest standards are met. This collaboration allows us to offer clients a seamless experience, from initial consultation to the final brushstroke, knowing that every detail has been treated with the respect it deserves.
Our Experience in Historic Preservation
The Sellman House — built in 1735, the oldest in-place building in the Smithsonian collection, preserved as part of the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center.
Over the years, we have been honored to work on some of the region’s most notable historic properties, including The Fulton Theatre in Lancaster — one of the nation’s oldest continuously operating theatres, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. We have also restored Wheatland, the former home of President James Buchanan, and the Sellman House in Maryland — a historically significant 18th-century property built in 1735, home to the Sellman family for over 200 years, and now part of the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center.
Sehner-Ellicott-Von Hess House was built about 1780 by George Sehner. It is a finely restored house built in the Georgian style of architecture and home to the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster (HPT), where is served on the board for several years.
Our portfolio also includes the Seynour Ellicot Van Hess Home It was occupied by Andrew Ellicot (1754-1820), first United Stes Durveyor General (1801-1813) Ellicot helped prepare Captain Meriwether Lewis for his exploration of the Louisiana Purchase. We have also worked on the YWCA Lancaster, multiple Victorian homes in Mt. Gretna & Marietta, and numerous 1700s farmsteads scattered across Lancaster County.
Our Commitment to You and Your Home
Whether your home is centuries old and officially listed as historic or simply an older residence with character worth protecting, we are committed to treating it with the same reverence. Historic preservation is more than a service we offer — it’s a calling that connects us to our community’s heritage and allows us to pass it on to future generations.
If you’re ready to preserve the history in your home while ensuring it remains beautiful and functional for years to come, we’d be honored to work with you.
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