Historic Window Preservation Workshop: May 8

Learn historic window preservation in a one-day, hands-on training led by Neil Mozer and Robert Heald of Mozer Works. This workshop covers the fundamentals of window restoration, including sash repair, glazing, and basic maintenance practices. Register here to secure your place.

 

Date

Saturday, May 8, 2026

 

Time

8:00 am – 4:00 pm

 

Location

1110 Rosemont Ave, Frederick, MD 21701

 

Level

Introductory

 

Prerequisites

None

 

Format

In-person and hands-on.

 

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:

1. Identify the basic components and common configurations of historic wood windows.
2. Understand the principles and benefits of repairing historic windows rather than replacing them.
3. Demonstrate proper techniques for sash disassembly, glass removal, and glass cutting.
4. Apply traditional glazing methods, including backbedding, glass setting, and finish glazing.
5. Recognize common repair approaches for wood sash, weatherstripping, and finishing techniques used in historic window restoration.

 

What to Expect

These workshops are interactive and hands-on. There will be some lecture time. The workshop will take place in the park outside the recreation center. 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.
• 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: Schifferstadt Architectural Museum

Schifferstadt Architectural Museum is one of Frederick’s best-known historic sites and the oldest house in Frederick County open to the public. Built in 1758 by Elias Brunner and his wife, Albertina, the house was later recognized as a National Historic Landmark. It is especially significant as a well-preserved example of how German settlers adapted their building traditions to the American frontier.

The house helps tell the story of early settlement in Frederick County and preserves a number of notable eighteenth-century features. The site includes two-foot-thick stone walls, a tightly winding staircase, a large kitchen, and a barrel-vaulted cellar that once served as a kind of refrigerator. Together, these elements make Schifferstadt an important example of early domestic architecture and everyday life in the region.

The property also includes an award-winning Heritage Garden and a gift shop that expand the visitor experience beyond the house itself. The garden is a colonial four-square kitchen garden maintained by a Master Gardener and volunteers, while the shop offers books, pottery, games, and other items connected to local history and traditional crafts. Today, Schifferstadt is operated by the Frederick County Landmarks Foundation, which presents the site as part of its broader preservation work in Frederick County.

To learn more about the building’s history, visit the Frederick County Landmarks Foundation website.

The workshop will take place outside of the Schifferstadt building.

 

Getting There

Parking is available at the Frederick Brethren Church parking lot off of W. 2nd Street. Schifferstadt is a short walk across the street from the parking area.

 

Agenda

8:00 am: Sign in and Setup

8:15 am: Introductions; Why Restore?; Goals and Objectives; Overview of the Restoration Processes: “Full”, “Partial, and Mechanical Tune-ups; Quick Window 101: Window anatomy and common window configurations: double-hung, casement, awning, Palladian, Gothic, bowed windows.

9:00 am: Disassembly; Lead-safe Practices; Weatherization/Securing Window Frames

9:30 am: Break

9:45 am: Stripping Sashes, Harvesting Glass and Hardware (Hands-on!)

10:15 am: Glass Cutting: measure twice, set-up for success, and repeatable constancy (Hands-on!)

11:00 am: Classical Glazing: Backbedding, Glass setting, Finish glazing and Cleanup (Hands-on!)

12:45 pm: Lunch

1:15 pm: Sash Woodworking: Stabilization Review (Show & Tell), Expoxies (Show & Tell), Dutchmen/Splicing (Hands-on!), Overview/Discussion of Mortise and Tenon Rehabilitation

2:00 pm: Classical Metal Weather-stripping: Double-hungs, casements, and Entrance Doors (Show & Tell)

2:45 pm: Finish Work: Painting/Staining, Historic Hardware (Show & Tell)

3:15 pm: Don’t Forget the Storm Windows

3:45 pm: Wrap-up: Evaluations, Resources, Questions/Comments

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is the workshop scheduled?

The workshop will take place on Friday, May 8th.

2. Where will the workshop be held?

On May 8, everyone will check in at 1110 Rosemont Ave, Frederick, MD 21701.

3. How much does the workshop cost?

The total cost of the workshop is $100. 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. PPE, tools, and work materials will be provided.

4. Who are the instructors?

The instructor for the workshop is Neil Mozer. The facilitator for the workshop is Robert Heald. Both Neil and Robert work for Mozer Works, Inc.

5. What topics will be covered in the workshop?

The workshop will cover window sash components and construction, window sash materials, and reglazing tools and techniques.

6. What are the daily hours of the workshop?

The workshop will run for eight hours. Please arrive by 8:00 a.m. EDT 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 preserving historic windows.

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. We recommend wearing layers to allow for weather changes and indoor or outdoor work. 

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?

Create an account and register on Moodle here.

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 12. 

14. What happens if registration is full?

Once registration reaches 12 participants, fill out the form here to be added to the waitlist.

15. What is your refund policy?

Please refer here for the refund policy. By creating an account and registering for this workshop, you have agreed to these terms.