NORWAY - The second in a series of presentations aimed at generating enthusiasm and knowledge about Norway's downtown historical assets is set for Oct. 30.

"We must look at our heritage as economic assets," said Andrea Burns, president of Norway Downtown.

In July, state preservationists met with local officials, business people and residents to discuss the downtown historic district and the effect its buildings have on the town's economic future.

That discussion, which brought out a capacity crowd, will continue on Oct. 30, when four leading professionals working in the field of historic preservation will present information on strategies for stimulating economic growth through preservation of Norway's historic buildings such as the vacant Opera House on Main Street.

The forum gets under way at 7 p.m. at the Norway Grange Hall on Whitman Street.

Burns said the speakers are some of the leading professionals in the field of historic preservation:

• Roxanne Eflin, owner of Preservation Planning Associates and former director of Maine Preservation, who will act as moderator. Eflin was in Norway last spring to talk about historic preservation and using those buildings for economic development.

• Matt Tonello of Consigli Construction and a member of the Maine Preservation Board. He will talk about his preservation efforts, particularly with historic brick and mortar buildings.

• Arron Sturgis of Preservation Timber Framing in Berwick, who did restoration work at Shaker Village in New Gloucester among other places. He is a leader in the field of timber-frame work and responsible for major renovations of church steeples throughout Maine.

• Lock Kiermaier of Mattson Developers, who served in state government for several decades and spearheaded the historic building tax credit.

"These will be success stories in saving historic buildings," Burns said.

Other speakers may also be added to the roster, she said.

"This is intended to validate the historic assets we have and to generate enthusiasm, to educate and bring awareness. It's all about stirring the pot," said Burns.

Norway Downtown, along with the Norway Historical Society and Norway Memorial Library, are sponsoring the event.