09/04/2026
This summer, Legacy Preservation Enterprise was proud to welcome our first-ever intern, Bailee O’Neal!
Bailee is a Historic Preservation student at Southeast Missouri State University who spent the summer gaining hands-on experience in historic restoration under the mentorship of Nels Bergmark
From Bailee:
“I have enjoyed spending my summer working on the Frizel-Welling house and the Abraham Byrd House under Nels and Legacy Preservation Enterprise. Nels has been a great mentor and has given me the opportunity to get hands-on experience in rehabilitation preservation. I learned so much during my time here, but something that sticks with me is getting to see the “behind the scenes” of the house. I love being able to see the house in-progress and also watch it come together as more work gets completed.”
Nels shared “Bailee showed up early and was willing to leave late for task accomplishment. Bailee was always willing to learn. From learning every tool and technique I know to, executing some of the most difficult tasks anyone can do in preservation/restoration. Bailee helped/restored 14 windows. Often remaking elements from rotted and barely recognisable parts. Tasks of that level are a testament to Bailee's attention to detail, willingness to fail, but ultimately to learn and succeed. Windows were only one part of what Bailee accomplished. Patching tongue and groove flooring, tedious scraping and painting, and making railing balusters to name a few. Bailee was a genuine pleasure to work alongside and watch grow.”
Thank you, Bailee, for all your hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm for learning. We are truly grateful for all your amazing work and are excited to be part of growing the next generation of preservationists.
