Historic Masonry Repointing Workshop
May 1 @ 8:30 am - May 2 @ 4:30 pm
$400 – $450In this two-day hands-on masonry workshop under the guidance of Master Craftsman David Gibney, participants will learn and practice traditional repointing techniques using both real-world conditions and controlled training environments.
Dates
Friday, May 1 – Saturday, May 2, 2026
Times
8:30 am – 4:30 pm daily
Location
Arthurdale Heritage, 18 Q Road, Arthurdale, WV 26520
Level
Introductory
Prerequisites
None
Format
In-person and hands-on.
Credits
15 Hours in Masonry Building Systems or Materials towards The Campaign’s Registered Apprenticeship Program.
Learning Objectives
You’ll learn through a combination of classroom-style instruction and hands-on restoration work. The focus is on practical techniques and real-world conditions. During this workshop, you will have the opportunity to:
- Learn about materials, tooling, and site preparation for masonry repointing
- Practice techniques using an old (non-historic) brick structure onsite
- Gain hands-on repointing experience on brick and stone
- Work side-by-side with seasoned instructors in a supportive environment
What to Expect
These workshops are interactive, hands-on, and have very little lecture time! Be prepared to:
- Stand, sit, crouch, and use your hands.
- Collaborate with participants on different activities.
- Be outdoors in various weather conditions.
- Get dirty, hands-on, and interactive.
What to Bring
- Wear clothes that are okay to get dirty, stained, torn, etc.
- Long pants (required) and long sleeves (recommended).
- Closed toe shoes (required).
- Sunscreen or sunblock.
- Hat or sun protection.
- Knee pads or a pad for kneeling (participants will be working close to the ground).
- Water bottle.
- Snacks and a lunch. Lunch can be purchased nearby.
What’s Included
- Personal Protective Equipment
- All tools, materials, and supplies needed for the workshop.
- Learning materials.
- Access to the facilities on site.
Host Site: Arthurdale Heritage
Hosted at Arthurdale Heritage, Inc. a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of historic Arthurdale, West Virginia. Arthurdale was the first New Deal homestead project established under Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Subsistence Homesteads Division. Created as part of the National Industrial Recovery Act of 1933, this division aimed to improve the living conditions of people from overcrowded urban areas and afford them the opportunity to experience small-scale farming and homeownership. Arthurdale Heritage’s mission is to build a resilient community inspired by the history, legacy, and folk arts of the first New Deal Community and its people.
Learn more about Arthurdale Heritage: https://arthurdaleheritage.org/
Address
18 Q Road
Arthurdale, WV 26520
Getting There
Free parking available on site.
Getting Around
Drivable to hotels and restaurant options. Arthurdale Heritage has suggestions on food and lodging on their FAQ page.
The Schedule
Day 1: Foundation, Philosophy, and Hands-on Work | 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
8:30 am: Welcome & Check-in, Safety briefing and gear check, Site walkthrough and introductions
9:00 am: Introduction to masonry repointing, Importance in preservation, Mortar basics and historic compatibility, Tools and materials overview
10:00 am: Repointing demonstration, Hands-on: repointing practice
12:00 pm: Lunch (bring your own)
1:00 pm: Hands-on: joint preparation and repointing, begin work on structures if ready
3:30 pm: Clean-up, Day 1 recap, Q&A, and prep for Day 2
4:30 pm: Close up
Day 2: Site Repointing and Refining Skills | 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
8:30 am: Morning check-in and safety refresh, Review Day 1 lessons and questions
9:00 am: Hands-on: Repointing practice, Guidance from instructors on tool use, joint packing, and finish technique
12:00 pm: Lunch (bring your own)
1:00 pm: Continued repointing, Troubleshooting common issues, Final touch-ups and mortar care
3:30 pm: Wrap-up discussion, Instructor feedback and Q&A, Clean-up and secure site
4:30 pm: Close up
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is the workshop scheduled?
The workshop will take place over two days: Friday, May 1 and Saturday, May 2.
2. Where will the workshop be held?
On May 1, everyone will check in at 18 Q Road, Arthurdale, WV 26520.
3. How much does the workshop cost?
The total cost of the workshop is $400 for early-bird registration (register by April 1) and $450 for standard registration (register by April 24). Other expenses, such as travel and housing, are NOT included in the cost. Registrants must arrange and pay for their own travel, housing, and food expenses.
4. Who are the instructors?
The instructor for the workshop is David Gibney.
5. What topics will be covered in the workshop?
Participants in this two-day workshop will learn the fundamentals of historic masonry repointing through both classroom-style instruction and hands-on practice. Key topics include mortar composition and compatibility, joint preparation, proper repointing techniques, tool handling, and finishing methods.
6. What are the daily hours of the workshop?
The workshops will run for eight hours each day. General start/end times may vary each day. Day 1, please arrive by 8:30 a.m. for check-in. Learners will receive information about their daily activities once on-site.
7. Who should attend this workshop?
This course is open to beginners, tradespeople, preservationists, and anyone interested in learning more about historic masonry.
8. Do I need any prior experience?
No prior experience is necessary. All materials and tools will be provided.
9. What should I bring to the workshop?
All necessary materials, tools, and PPE will be provided. Participants should wear comfortable clothing suitable for hands-on work and bring any personal items they may need for a full day of activities. All participants must wear closed-toe shoes. Suggested items to bring include a water bottle, snacks, lunch, sunblock, and kneepads. Wear clothes that can get dirty or be damaged. Long pants are required and long sleeves are recommended.
10. Are there any additional activities included in the workshop?
There are no planned activities. Learners may explore the local area on their own.
11. How do I register for the workshop?
Make an account and register here: https://historictrades.moodlecloud.com/enrol/index.php?id=16.
12. Is travel and accommodation included in the workshop fee?
No, participants are responsible for their own travel, food, and accommodation arrangements.
13. What is the maximum number of attendees for the workshop?
The maximum number of attendees is 15.
14. What happens if registration is full?
Once registration reaches 15 participants, please email kpratt@historictrades.org to be added to a waitlist.
