Although not strictly a horticultural event, we wish to highlight this upcoming study opportunity.  Historic New England will sponsor a day long seminar on The Colors of Historic Houses: Understanding Historic Paint Colors, at the Collections and Conservation Center, 151 Essex Street in Haverhill, on Friday, April 27, from 11:30 – 5.  Many with historic homes will find this useful, since the home is often the backdrop to the garden. Learn about the art, history, and science of using historic paint colors in settings from older homes to museums at this in-depth workshop. Architectural conservator Brian Powell, architectural historian Susan Maycock, and experts from Historic New England and California Paints share the latest on historic paint color palettes and current trends in paint technology. Explore archival materials related to historic paint colors on a tour of the Edward K. Perry paint archive.  Box lunch and snacks provided.  $30 for HNE members, $75 for nonmembers (includes an individual membership), and $35 for students.  Registration is required. Please call 617-994-6644 or register online at www.historicnewengland.org.