Masonry Repointing Workshop
April 10 @ 8:30 am - April 11 @ 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, April 10 – Saturday, April 11, 2026
Times
8:30 am – 4:30 pm daily
Location
6129 Butterfly Lane, Frederick, MD 21703
Level
Introductory
Prerequisites
None
Format
In-person and hands-on.
Credits
15 Hours in Masonry Building Systems or Materials towards the 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:
- Repoint a historic barn foundation on-site.
- Practice techniques using mock-up masonry panels (both individual and large-scale panels will be available).
- Learn about materials, tooling, and site preparation for masonry repointing.
- 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: The National Park Service’s Historic Preservation Training Center
The Historic Preservation Training Center (HPTC) is dedicated to the safe preservation and maintenance of national parks or partner facilities by demonstrating outstanding leadership, delivering quality preservation services, and developing educational courses that fulfill the competency requirements of service employees in the career fields of Historic Preservation Skills, Risk Management, Maintenance, and Planning, Design, and Construction.
The HPTC utilizes historic preservation projects as the main vehicle for teaching preservation philosophy and building crafts, technology, and project management skills. Our experiential learning approach emphasizes flexibility in addressing the unknown conditions encountered during the project and ensures that the goals of preservation are met.
Learn more about the HPTC.
Address
The HPTC has multiple locations in Frederick, MD. This workshop takes place at their Hargett Farm location. Please use the address below — GPS searches can take you to the wrong location!
6129 Butterfly Lane
Frederick, MD 21703
Getting There
Free parking available on site.
Getting Around
Drivable to hotels and restaurant options.
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: Demonstration: Mock-up panels, Hands-on: Tool familiarization and practice on small mock-up panels
12:00 pm: Lunch (bring your own)
1:00 pm: Hands-on: Joint preparation and repointing on large mock-up panels, Begin work on barn foundation 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 historic barn foundation, Guidance from instructors on tool use, joint packing, finish technique
12:00 pm: Lunch (bring your own)
1:00 pm: Continued repointing: rotating between barn foundation and mock-ups, 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, April 10th and Saturday, April 11th.
2. Where will the workshop be held?
On April 10, everyone will check in at 6129 Butterfly Lane, Frederick, MD 21703
3. How much does the workshop cost?
The total cost of the workshop is $400 for early-bird registration (register by Saturday, March 21, 2026) and $450 for standard registration (register by Saturday, April 4, 2026). 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. Learners will gain experience working on small and large mock-up panels as well as a real historic barn foundation, applying preservation principles in a practical setting under the guidance of expert instructors.
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?
Create an account and register here: https://historictrades.moodlecloud.com/enrol/index.php?id=18.
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.
