Networks
Networks are an important element in developing professional connections, education, and communities. This is a directory of networks related to the historic trades.
Connect with Professionals
This page hosts a roster of professional networks related to the historic building trades.
Do you know a network that should be added or a network that is no longer active? Submit an entry! This helps us keep the database an up-to-date and relevant resource. As available, please include the name of the organization, contact information, website and social media, membership type, activities and publications, and trade skills practiced.
International Concrete Repair Institute
Biography
Mission
The International Concrete Repair Institute is a 501(c)6 that provides education, certification, networking and leadership to improve the quality of repair, restoration, protection, and preservation of concrete and other material systems.
Membership
Open to individuals and businesses
Activities
Annual conference, regional chapter events, webinars
Publications
Technical Publications, Concrete Repair Bulletin
Trade Skills
Concrete
Masonry Heater Association
Biography
Mission
The Masonry Heater Association is a 501(c)6 dedicated to serving the interests of the masonry heating industry and its clients. Masonry heaters are a traditional European model of storing wood-fired heat in the masonry thermal mass that then radiates the heat.
Membership
Open to individuals and businesses
Activities
Annual conference, regional events, and certification tests
Publications
Technical Reports, member newsletter
Trade Skills
Brick and Stone Masonry, combustion science
National Barn Alliance
Biography
Website
https://www.barnalliance.org/about-the-nba/
Mission
To provide national leadership for the preservation of America’s historic barns and rural heritage through education, documentation, conservation, and networking.
Membership
Open to individuals, organizations, and businesses.
Activities
Aggregates events from regional barn alliances
Publications
The Barn Journal blog, newsletter,
Trade Skills
Barn documentation, preservation, and rehabilitation
National Preservation Partners Network
Biography
Mission
The NPPN is a membership-based a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to building and strengthening the capacity of individual partner organizations and the collective historic preservation movement through training, networking, knowledge sharing, technical assistance, and semi-annual convenings.
Membership
Organizational membership.
Activities
Hosts webinars, affinity groups, mentorships, and semi-annual conferences.
Publications
Statement Letters
Trades Skills
Trades Ally
Preservation Trades Network
Biography
Mission
The Preservation Trades Network is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to empowering the traditional building trades through network, good works, community, fellowship and education.
Membership
Individual, organizational, and businesses.
Activities
Hosts an annual conference and regional and remote events.
Publications
Newsletter
Trades
All
Stained Glass Association of America
Notes
The Stained Glass Association of America is a 501(c)(6) non-profit corporation acting as a professional trade association. By virtue of this distinction, SGAA is devoted to the improvement of business conditions in the stained glass industry. Founded as The National Ornamental Glass Manufacturers Association, now The Stained Glass Association of America (SGAA) was organized in July 1903 by a group of stained glass craftsmen to promote and protect the art of architectural stained glass. During the course of the more than 115-year history of the organization, this effort has grown to include all architectural glass arts. Otto W. Heinigke wrote in 1923 that the purpose of the Association stated in its constitution is “in all lawful ways to promote the welfare of its members and bettering of trade conditions generally.” (Ornamental Glass Bulletin, June, 1923)
John G. Lloyd in Stained Glass in America lists eight points of the early aims of the Association:
- To put an end to cutthroat competition that did nothing more than encourage poor quality and discourage honest craftsmanship
- To educate the public and help churches and architects to have a better understanding of stained glass
- To promote real aesthetic values and standards for the craft
- To combat low quality and low prices of foreign competition
- To promulgate friendship and understanding among the craftsmen themselves
- To counteract the pressure of organized labor that, at the time, caused unsettled conditions in a largely unorganized craft-industry
- To establish economic standards that would end the practice of ridiculously low pricing that came about through ignorance of how to figure a job
- To raise the standards of the craft both artistically and economically
The Dry Stone Conservancy
Biography
Mission
The Dry Stone Conservancy is a 501(c)3 whose mission is to preserve historic drystone structures, to advance the craft of drystone masonry, and to create opportunities for training and make available expertise nationwide.
Membership
Non-membership based
Activities
Hosts workshops and offers certification tests
Trade Skills
Dry Stone Masonry
The Society for the Preservation of Old Mills
Biography
The Society for the Preservation of Old Mills
is an international organization which is dedicated by its constitution to:
“promote interest in old mills and other Americana now quickly passing from the present scene. It reports to its members through a quarterly magazine, “Old Mill News” or OMN. This society will help in any way it can in the preservation or rebuilding of such structures. It also will honor those individuals whose works and ideas made these mill possible. It will report to the membership, and to the public, through a periodical with pictures and comments. It will keep files and maintain a library on mills and related subjects and will try to keep abreast of changes and happening. It will act as a clearing house on this mill information among all those interested. It will sponsor meetings and correspondence among its members and friends.”
The Society, also known as SPOOM, was chartered in Maine as a non-profit organization in 1972. Its members include mill owners, old mill buffs, museum curators, conservators, writers, teachers, artists, photographers, equipment supply firms, and institutions such as libraries.
Membership is open to any individual who shares the interests and purposes of SPOOM. The Society shares common interests with the International Molinological Society (TIMS) which is a world-wide organization of around 500 members from more than 35 countries and five continents.
The Stone Foundation
Biography
Website
https://www.stonefoundation.org/
Mission
TO HONOR stone, stonework, and stone art
TO CELEBRATE stone and the skilled and creative use of stone;
TO PRESERVE and PERPETUATE the time-honored craft of stonework, particularly structural stonework;
TO ENCOURAGE and INFORM a resurgence of interest in it through publications, workshops, seminars, symposia, etcetera;
TO RESEARCH and REPORT upon the history and culture of stonework;
TO EXPLORE and EXPAND the potential for principled applications in contemporary structures;
TO CULTIVATE an international community of stonemasons;
TO BE A RESOURCE and TO ENABLE information and experience to be shared;
TO EDUCATE stonemasons, professional and amateur, architects, contractors and the general public regarding sound practices and acceptable standards of workmanship.
Membership
Open to individuals and professionals
Activities
Hosts an Annual STONE SYMPOSIUM and regional workshops.
Publications
STONEXUS Magazine and STONEZINE digital magazine, STONETC… newsletter
Trade Skills
Masonry, stone
Timber Framers Guild
Biography
Mission
The TFG is a non-profit 501(c)3 dedicated to the craft of timber framing. It serves as a center of timber frame information and design for professionals, aficionados, and the general public.
Membership
Open to individual and business membership
Activities
Hosts national and regional conferences, sponsors community building workshops, coordinates regional gatherings, offers professional development and education..
Publications
Quarterly Journal, Member Magazine
Trade Skills
Timber Framing
Window Preservation Alliance
Biography
Mission
The Window Preservation Alliance is a 501(c)6 whose aim is to include all who want to help change the conversation about windows, from building owners, tradespeople, and architects.
Membership
Open to individuals and businesses
Activities
Annual conference and regional events
Publications
Member newsletter
Trade Skills
Window Restoration