Historic Masonry Training- 2 Weekends

Who We Are
The Newport Restoration Foundation is a non-profit organization established by philanthropist Doris Duke in 1968 to preserve the architectural and cultural heritage of 18th and 19th century Newport. In addition to a collection of more than 70 colonial houses, now rented to tenant stewards, NRF operates properties that are open to the public —including Rough Point, the Newport home of Doris Duke, and The Vernon House, and preservation trades skill-building. This program is one of several classes NRF teaches in the traditional trades.

Program Objectives
This masonry preservation workshop will teach the fundamentals of masonry brick and stone construction and techniques for stabilization, repair, and repointing.

• Review the short- and long-term health effects of masonry restoration.
• Identify and assess masonry materials and styles.
• Identify and carefully understand cause and effect prior to executing repairs.
• Understand the differences between today’s code compliant mortars and historic mortars.
• Non-invasively remove deteriorating mortars with both manual and power tools.
• Mix historically appropriate mortars.
• Repoint on sample boards along with on actual historic structures.
• Repoint masonry utilizing both hawk and slick and squeeze bag techniques.
• Weathering of newly installed mortars.

Program
Who Should Attend
• Anyone with a strong interest in working with traditional masonry techniques.
• 18+ years
• Basic construction skills are a plus, but not required.
• Able to lift 50 lbs. and stand for several hours.

Time
• 9:00am-3:00pm each day, for 4 days

Location
• Prescott Farm- 2009 W. Main Rd. Middletown, RI 02842
• We will be working primarily outside. Should the weather not cooperate, we will hold class in the barn at Prescott Farm.
• For Weekend 2, participants may be asked to meet in Newport to work on historic buildings in town. Locations will be determined closer to the beginning of class.

Instructor- Blair Bates has 45 years of experience restoring brick, block, terracotta, stucco, concrete and stone masonry structures across the country. From a specifier, field engineer, contractor, and owners’ perspective. Thus, he has an understanding from methodology to lean cost containment. Hailing from Michigan, he is in his first year of retirement focusing his time on teaching and instructing new and experienced historic tradespeople in the trowel trades throughout the United States.

What to Expect
Besides a good time, prepare to be active and learn. Participants will be sitting, standing, crouching, using repetitive motions with their hands, and potentially climbing ladders, in addition to working outside in the weather.

Participants should:
• Wear comfortable works clothes and close-toed shoes.
• Bring gloves and safety glasses.
• Bring a jacket and/or a rain jacket in case of rain and temperature changes.
• Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and/or a sun hat.
• Lunch, snacks and water bottle.
We will provide:
• Tools and Materials
• Additional sunscreen
• A masonry restoration booklet

Cost
• The program costs $600 (a link with payment request will be sent separately)

Please complete the application using this link- masonry application 2024 or on the NRF website to be considered for the program.

For more information, contact NRF’s Historic Trades Initiative Manager:
Kris Turgeon
kris@newportrestoration.org
401- 556- 7165