Encore Sustainable Architects’ Ernest Demby Named to Easton, MD Historic Commission

Encore-Sustainable-Architect-Ernest-Ernie-Demby
Encore-Sustainable-Architect-Ernest-Ernie-Demby

Encore Sustainable Architects is excited to share that Architectural Designer Ernest “Ernie” Demby has been honored to be appointed by the Mayor and Council of Easton for a three-year term on the seven member commission.  The Historic Commission conducts the design review process for all historic projects to ensure adherence to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.  In addition, the Commission conducts surveys, studies, and more to: ensure sites, districts and structures are protected, create rehabilitation and new construction guidelines, and create new districts or designate landmarks.  All members of the Commission have professional training, practical experience or demonstrated interest in preservation, architecture, history, archeology, museum fields or anthropology.

Mr. Demby has worked on many projects in Historic Easton, including the preservation of Asbury United Methodist Church (AUMC). Built in 1876, AUMC is the oldest African-American church structure in Easton and designated as Site #33 on Maryland’s Underground Railroad and Network to Freedom Sites and Stories. Carlene Phoenix, member of the Church with Priscilla Morris, are active participants in Historic Easton, Inc. and nominated Mr. Demby for the Commission position. 

Encore-Sustainable-Design-Asbury-Methodist-Stained-Glass
The restored Gothic style stained-glass window in the bell tower in the historic church preservation of Asbury United Methodist Church. Note the bell pull rope.

“The people of Easton cherish their town,” said Mr. Demby. “To allow me a seat at the table and grant the responsibility of protecting the history and character here is an honor. The future is bright for this historic district. It is becoming eclectic, vibrant, and I am excited to be part of it.”

Mr. Demby’s interest in architecture began in a high school drafting class. College took him to France where he became interested in historic architecture and enamored with the work of Le Corbusier. Mr. Demby will graduate this fall with a Bachelors of Science in Architecture from Morgan State University. He is a lifelong resident of Maryland, currently residing in Historic Anapolis.

About the Easton, Maryland Historic Commission

Historic preservation in Easton began with the Talbot County Garden Club in 1920s. In the late 1970s, the Commission was formally created to enhance quality of life and to safeguard the historical and cultural heritage of Easton. A team of seven appointed professionals works to preserve Easton sites, structures or districts which reflect elements of cultural, social, economic, political, archeological or architectural history. These efforts are designed to:

  • strengthen the local economy,
  • stabilize and improve property values of such sites, structures, or districts,
  • foster civic beauty, and
  • promote the preservation and appreciation of such sites structures and districts for the education and welfare of the residents of Easton and Talbot County.

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