1 Day – 8:00 am to 3:00 pm The decision to repoint a masonry structure is most often related to some obvious signs of deterioration, such as disintegrating mortar, cracks in mortar joints, loose bricks or stones, or damp walls. On the surface, restoration projects may appear straightforward and intuitive, but there’s no substitute for […]
Brick, Earth, Stone, and Timber (BEST) Preservation Workshops with the National Park Service Location: Frederick, MD Dates: September 8 - 12, 2025 Description: Historic brick masonry buildings are relatively simple construction systems, but their preservation requires a sound understanding of stone, brick, and mortars; their weathering; and how they function together as a […]
In this five-day class, instructors will take you through the history and theory of stone construction, making of mortar, and shaping of fieldstone into building stone. Presentations will provide insight into geology and the characteristics of different stone types, the mechanics of splitting and dressing stone, and the evolution of mortar systems from ancient to […]
Learn the basics of masonry heater construction with a combination of classroom learning and hands-on building. Masonry heaters are efficient wood-burning stoves for home heating, distinguished by their substantial mass when compared to a woodstove, which allows for rapid burning of a large wood load combined with a slow release of the resultant heat. The […]
In this five-day class, instructors will take you through the history and theory of stone construction, making of mortar, and shaping of fieldstone into building stone. Presentations will provide insight into geology and the characteristics of different stone types, the mechanics of splitting and dressing stone, and the evolution of mortar systems from ancient to […]
Overview Join us for a two-day hands-on masonry workshop focused on repointing the foundation of a historic barn. Under the guidance of Master Craftsman David Gibney and experienced masonry facilitator Mike Logan, participants will learn and practice traditional repointing techniques using both real-world conditions and controlled training environments. Participants will have the opportunity to: Repoint a historic barn foundation […]
Thoughtfully laid stonework has an irresistible harmony. The organic form and arrangement of stones in masonry projects is both functional and artistic. Skilled masons have much to teach us about shared knowledge, solid planning, a practiced hand, and patience. At AARCH we get many questions about masonry and this year, we’re proud to offer a […]
1 Day – 8:00 am to 3:00 pm The decision to repoint a masonry structure is most often related to some obvious signs of deterioration, such as disintegrating mortar, cracks in mortar joints, loose bricks or stones, or damp walls. On the surface, restoration projects may appear straightforward and intuitive, but there’s no substitute for […]
1 Day – 8:00 am to 3:00 pm The decision to repoint a masonry structure is most often related to some obvious signs of deterioration, such as disintegrating mortar, cracks in mortar joints, loose bricks or stones, or damp walls. On the surface, restoration projects may appear straightforward and intuitive, but there’s no substitute for […]
1 Day – 8:00 am to 3:00 pm As the number of historic buildings continues to increase, so does the demand for masons who have the necessary skill and knowledge critical to the preservation of vintage structures. A skilled and exacting mason can match rebuilt sections of masonry to the original in terms of stone […]
Overview Dates: October 17-18, 2025 Time: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM each day Location: Arthurdale Heritage, 18 Q Road, Arthurdale, WV 26520 Class Size Limit: 15 participants Workshop Details Join us for a two-day hands-on masonry repointing workshop. Under the guidance of David Gibney and Sarah Polzin, participants will learn and practice traditional repointing techniques using both real-world conditions and controlled training […]
We’re headed to California’s Joshua Tree National Park to preserve the legendary Keys Ranch! PROJECT PARTNER: Joshua Tree National Park SESSION DATES: October 19-24, October 26-31, November 2-7, and November 9-14 CAPACITY PER SESSION: 7 Volunteers + 1 Kitchen Helper (Sessions 1 and 2) 4 Volunteers (No Kitchen Helper) (Sessions 3 and 4) PROJECT SUPERVISOR: Matthew Sanford ASSISTANT PROJECT SUPERVISOR: Aaron […]
We’re headed to California’s Joshua Tree National Park to preserve the legendary Keys Ranch! PROJECT PARTNER: Joshua Tree National Park SESSION DATES: October 19-24, October 26-31, November 2-7, and November 9-14 CAPACITY PER SESSION: 7 Volunteers + 1 Kitchen Helper (Sessions 1 and 2) 4 Volunteers (No Kitchen Helper) (Sessions 3 and 4) PROJECT SUPERVISOR: Matthew Sanford ASSISTANT PROJECT SUPERVISOR: Aaron […]
An introduction to functional and beautiful dry-laid stonework This course goes beyond basic stone masonry to explore stonework as an art form, blending natural stone building techniques with the science behind them. You’ll learn both flatwork and sculptural elements, including the physics of arches and engineering wooden forms for support. The project will be shaped […]
We’re headed to California’s Joshua Tree National Park to preserve the legendary Keys Ranch! PROJECT PARTNER: Joshua Tree National Park SESSION DATES: October 19-24, October 26-31, November 2-7, and November 9-14 CAPACITY PER SESSION: 7 Volunteers + 1 Kitchen Helper (Sessions 1 and 2) 4 Volunteers (No Kitchen Helper) (Sessions 3 and 4) PROJECT SUPERVISOR: Matthew Sanford ASSISTANT PROJECT SUPERVISOR: Aaron […]
1 Day – 8:00 am to 3:00 pm The decision to repoint a masonry structure is most often related to some obvious signs of deterioration, such as disintegrating mortar, cracks in mortar joints, loose bricks or stones, or damp walls. On the surface, restoration projects may appear straightforward and intuitive, but there’s no substitute for […]
1 Day – 8:00 am to 3:00 pm The decision to repoint a masonry structure is most often related to some obvious signs of deterioration, such as disintegrating mortar, cracks in mortar joints, loose bricks or stones, or damp walls. On the surface, restoration projects may appear straightforward and intuitive, but there’s no substitute for […]
1 Day – 8:00 am to 3:00 pm As the number of historic buildings continues to increase, so does the demand for masons who have the necessary skill and knowledge critical to the preservation of vintage structures. A skilled and exacting mason can match rebuilt sections of masonry to the original in terms of stone […]
Workshop Objective: To provide a firm grounding in the basic principles of dry stone walling and a basic understanding of how to build a double-faced wall. Learning Outcomes: You can state the five basic rules of dry stone walling. You can describe batter and the use of frames & lines. You can explain how to […]
We’re headed to California’s Joshua Tree National Park to preserve the legendary Keys Ranch! PROJECT PARTNER: Joshua Tree National Park SESSION DATES: October 19-24, October 26-31, November 2-7, and November 9-14 CAPACITY PER SESSION: 7 Volunteers + 1 Kitchen Helper (Sessions 1 and 2) 4 Volunteers (No Kitchen Helper) (Sessions 3 and 4) PROJECT SUPERVISOR: Matthew Sanford ASSISTANT PROJECT SUPERVISOR: Aaron […]
Workshop Objective: To provide a firm grounding in the basic principles of dry stone walling and a basic understanding of how to build a double-faced wall. Learning Outcomes: You can state the five basic rules of dry stone walling. You can describe batter and the use of frames & lines. You can explain how to […]
3 Days – 8:00 am to 3:00 pm (daily) Although generally considered permanent, masonry is subject to deterioration too. Our preservation practices attempt to keep masonry structures from deteriorating further; respect the significance of original materials and details; and stabilize, repair, and retain features wherever possible to ensure their safekeeping for future generations. To prevent […]
Join Preservation Texas and the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department for a unique, hands-on preservation training workshop at Bonham State Park on November 14th & 15th. Led by preservation trades experts Ron Siebler and Rick Wood, this two-day workshop will focus on traditional stone and timber construction techniques through immersive labs in timber hewing, carpentry, […]
Event Description Dr Moses Jenkins is a Project Manager at HES, and the author of the books 'The Scottish Brick Industry' and “Survey and Assessment of Traditionally Constructed Brickwork". In this talk he will be using HES Archives to discuss the role of the brick in building Scotland's heritage. Scotland has many excellent examples of […]
Join us for an intensive dive into the historic craft of hand carved letters in stone. In this class we will explore the history of hand carved lettering in traditional monuments, learn how to transfer letters and patterns from paper to stone, and learn to carve raised letters and recessed V-shaped letters. Each student will […]
Join us for an intensive dive into the historic craft of hand carved letters in stone. In this class we will explore the history of hand carved lettering in traditional monuments, learn how to transfer letters and patterns from paper to stone, and learn to carve raised letters and recessed V-shaped letters. Each student will […]
1 Day – 8:00 am to 3:00 pm The decision to repoint a masonry structure is most often related to some obvious signs of deterioration, such as disintegrating mortar, cracks in mortar joints, loose bricks or stones, or damp walls. On the surface, restoration projects may appear straightforward and intuitive, but there’s no substitute for […]
1 Day – 8:00 am to 3:00 pm The decision to repoint a masonry structure is most often related to some obvious signs of deterioration, such as disintegrating mortar, cracks in mortar joints, loose bricks or stones, or damp walls. On the surface, restoration projects may appear straightforward and intuitive, but there’s no substitute for […]
1 Day – 8:00 am to 3:00 pm As the number of historic buildings continues to increase, so does the demand for masons who have the necessary skill and knowledge critical to the preservation of vintage structures. A skilled and exacting mason can match rebuilt sections of masonry to the original in terms of stone […]
What You Will Learn This course offers a broad perspective on a variety of traditional trade areas and how they differ from contemporary construction. Students will gain a working knowledge of how to identify and approach repairs on historic buildings and how to seek reliable resources. Historic Preservation Fundamentals Traditional Building Style Building Analysis Blueprint […]