Occassionally you may find a thing or two of value from the tax money you pay each year.
The National Park Service preservation briefs are one of those things.
For information on safe ways of repairing or restoring older buildings or building components check the briefs. New materials can destroy old buildings.
Preservation Briefs - NPS (http://www.cr.nps.gov/hps/tps/briefs/presbhom.htm)
They don't, at least in the older on-line version, seem to care much for aluminum and vinyl siding on your historic home. ;D
Not very progressive, but pressed tin is sometmes OK I think. :)
http://www.mbossinc.com/?referrer=gglimg3
Tin Ceilings by M-Boss Inc, makers of Tin Ceiling, Cornice, Backsplashes, Moldings, Walls, Medallions & Decorative Metalwork and Metal Ceiling Designs.