Dates: November 7-8, 2025

Time: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM each day

Location: Gathland State Park, 900 Arnoldstown Road, Jefferson, MD

Parking Lot Coordinates: 39.404680337315256, -77.64031604677345

Class Size Limit: 8 participants

Overview

Join us for a two-day hands-on drystone workshop focused on repairing and constructing dry-laid stone walls. Under the guidance of Neil Rippingale, participants will learn traditional drystone techniques and practice using both real-world conditions and controlled training environments.

Participants will have the opportunity to:

• Repair and rebuild sections of existing stone walls on-site

• Practice drystone techniques 

• Learn about stone selection, placement, stability, and proper drainage for drystone construction

• Work side-by-side with skilled instructors in a supportive, hands-on learning environment

Tuition & Registration

Early bird registration: $400 (register by October 3). 

Normal registration: $450 (register by October 24). 

Deadline to signup is October 24, 2026

Your registration includes access to two full days of expert instruction, guided hands-on experience, and all required materials and tools.

Payment details and further information will be provided in your registration confirmation email.

Location and Travel for Training

Training Dates: November 7-8

Day 1 Meeting Address: 900 Arnoldstown Road, Jefferson, MD

Participants are responsible for their own travel, housing, meals, and refreshments. 

Please plan to arrive on time for check-in on Day 1. Meet at 8:30 a.m. EDT. 

Learning Goals

You’ll learn through a combination of instruction and hands-on restoration work. The focus is on practical drystone wall construction and repair techniques.

Day 1
 
         08.15 a.m.   Sign in and registration   
         08. 30 a.m.   Classroom session begins   
                               History & Background of Dry Stone Construction
                               Basic Fundamentals and Theory
                               Safe Lifting Techniques 
 
         09.15 a.m.     Coffee Break                    
 
         09.30 a.m.     Start dismantling Historic Dry Stone wall in pairs  
         
         12.00 Noon   Lunch Break
 
         12.30 p.m      Afternoon Session
                               Return to Work Site Continue to build   
 
          04.00 p.m.    Tidy up site / make safe, Summary of the Work Day.
 
Day 2
 
          08.30 a.m.    Recap on previous day
                                Continue to build
          09.15  a.m.    Coffee Break
 
          09.30 a.m.    Return to work on individual sections 
 
           12 Noon       Lunch
 
           12.30 p.m.    Return to site   
 
           03.00 p.m.     Coping complete / Tidy site / Signs and Cones down.
 
           03.30 p.m.     Summary of Basic Principles / Evaluations / Certificates of Attendance
 
           04.00 p.m.     Course End.

What to Bring

To ensure safety and comfort during the workshop, all participants should bring:

• Closed-toe shoes (required)

• Water bottle, snacks, and lunch

• Sunscreen or sunblock

• Hat or sun protection, rain protection (check the weather before you go)

• Clothing you don't mind getting dirty

Accessibility Considerations

This workshop involves lifting, standing, kneeling, and working near the ground. If you have accessibility concerns or questions about physical requirements, contact the course administrator before registering.

FAQs

1. When is the workshop scheduled?

The workshop will take place over two days: Friday, November 7th and Saturday, November 8th.

2. Where will the workshop be held?

On November 7, everyone will check-in at: 900 Arnoldstown Road, Jefferson, MD. 

The Parking Lot Coordinates are 39.404680337315256, -77.64031604677345. You can also enter "Gathland State Park Parking Lot, MD" into a GPS or map app on your phone.

3. How much does the workshop cost?

Early bird registration: $400 (register up by October 3). 
Normal registration: $450 (register by October 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 Neil Rippingale. 

5. What topics will be covered in the workshop?

Participants will learn drystone wall fundamentals, stone selection, wall construction and repair, proper drainage and stability techniques, and hands-on practice with existing walls.

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 onsite. 

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, kneepads. Wear clothes that can get dirty or be damaged.  

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?

Register on this site. 

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 8. 

14. What happens if registration is full?

Once registration reaches 8 participants, please email kpratt@historictrades.org to be added to a waitlist. 

15. What is your refund policy?

The Campaign can process refund requests UP TO fourteen days before the start date of the event. No refunds will be issued in the fourteen days before the start date of the event. This is measured at 12:01 am EST on the listed start date of the event. Please email learn@historictrades.org with the subject line REFUND REQUEST, with name, event details, and total amount in the email body. The Campaign will refund 75% on the total you paid for the event; our payment processer will deduct processing fees from your total refund amount. Funds will appear in your account within 30 days of the refund being processed.

Overview

Dates: October 18, 2025

Time: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM 

Location: Community Forklift, 4671 Tanglewood Drive, Hyattsville, MD 20781

GPS Coordinates: 38.946018, -76.936190

Class Size Limit: 16 participants

Registration Deadline: October 13, 2025

Workshop Description

This hands-on, 8-hour Workshop in Traditional Finishes, taught by Natalie Henshaw, introduces participants to the principles and practices of refinishing historic architectural woodwork. Focusing on doors, trim, paneling, and other wood features commonly found in historic buildings, the session covers how to 

• assess wood conditions
• identify original finishes
• select appropriate methods to remove, restore, and reapply different finishes

Participants will learn safe and effective techniques for cleaning, stripping, color matching, and applying protective finishes to wood surfaces. Demonstrations and guided practice will allow attendees to work directly with tools and materials, 

This workshop is ideal for preservation professionals, carpenters, contractors, homeowners, and anyone interested in extending the life and beauty of historic wood features while maintaining their authenticity and character. Participants will leave with practical skills, a deeper understanding of historic finishes, and the ability to approach refinishing projects with care and confidence.

Tuition & Registration

Cost: $200 per participant

Your registration includes access to one day of expert instruction, guided hands-on experience, and all required materials and tools.

Payment details and further information will be provided in your registration confirmation email.

Location and Travel for Training

Training Dates: October 18, 2025

Location: Community Forklift

Meeting Address: 4671 Tanglewood Drive, Hyattsville, MD 20781

Participants are responsible for their own travel, housing, meals, and refreshments. 

Please plan to arrive on time for check-in. Meet at 8:30 a.m. EDT. 

Sample Agenda

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.

10/18/2025 (8:30 am – 4:30 pm)

8:30 am: Welcome and introductions

9:00 am: Overview, history, and identification of traditional finishes

10:00 am: Safe removal processes and techniques

12:00 pm: Lunch Break

1:00 pm: Understanding wood as a material substrate

2:00 pm: Finishing lab, testing and making:

• Paints
• Stains
• Dyes
• Clearcoats

4:00 pm: Clean-up and close-out

What to Bring

To ensure safety and comfort during the workshop, all participants should bring:

• Closed-toe shoes (required)

• Water bottle, snacks, and lunch

• Sunscreen or sunblock

• Hat or sun protection

• Light jacket in case of rain

• Wear clothes that you can get dirty. 

Accessibility Considerations

If you have accessibility concerns or questions about physical requirements, please contact the course administrator before registering.

FAQs

1. When is the workshop scheduled?

The workshop will take place over one day: Saturday, October 18.

2. Where will the workshop be held?

On October 18, everyone will check-in at: 

Community Forklift, 4671 Tanglewood Drive, Hyattsville, MD 20781

GPS Coordinates: 38.946018, -76.936190

3. How much does the workshop cost?

The total cost of the workshop is $200. 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 Natalie Henshaw, the Director for The Campaign for Historic Trades. 

5. What topics will be covered in the workshop?

Participants in this one-day workshop will learn the fundamentals of historic architectural wood refinishing through both classroom-style instruction and hands-on practice. Key topics include principles and practices of refinishing historic architectural woodwork. Participants will learn safe and effective techniques for cleaning, stripping, color matching, and applying protective finishes to wood surfaces. 

6. What are the daily hours of the workshop?

The workshops will run for eight hours. Please arrive by 8:30 a.m. for check-in. Learners will receive information about their daily activities once onsite. 

7. Who should attend this workshop?

This workshop is ideal for preservation professionals, carpenters, contractors, homeowners, and anyone interested in extending the life and beauty of historic wood features while maintaining their authenticity and character.

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. Wear clothes that can get dirty or be damaged. Long pants and long sleeves are suggested. 

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?

Register on this site. 

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 16. 

14. What happens if registration is full?

Once registration reaches 16 participants, please email kpratt@historictrades.org to be added to a waitlist. 

15. What is your refund policy?

The Campaign can process refund requests UP TO fourteen days before the start date of the event. No refunds will be issued in the fourteen days before the start date of the event. This is measured at 12:01 am EST on the listed start date of the event. Please email learn@historictrades.org with the subject line REFUND REQUEST, with name, event details, and total amount in the email body. The Campaign will refund 75% on the total you paid for the event; our payment processer will deduct processing fees from your total refund amount. Funds will appear in your account within 30 days of the refund being processed.

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

Join us for a two-day hands-on masonry repointing workshop. Under the guidance of David Gibney, participants will learn and practice traditional repointing techniques using both real-world conditions and controlled training environments. Students will learn brick and stone repointing techniques. 

Participants will have the opportunity to:

• Practice techniques using an old (non-historic) brick structure onsite

• Repoint stone walkways and retaining walls

• Learn about materials, tooling, and site preparation for masonry repointing

• Work side-by-side with seasoned instructors in a supportive environment

Tuition & Registration

Cost: $400 per participant

Your registration includes access to two full days of expert instruction, guided hands-on experience, and all required materials and tools.

Payment details and further information will be provided in your registration confirmation email.

Location and Travel for Training

Training Dates: October 17-18, 2025

Location: Arthurdale Heritage

Day 1 Meeting Address: 18 Q Road, Arthurdale, WV 26520

Participants are responsible for their own travel, housing, meals, and refreshments. 

Please plan to arrive on time for check-in on Day 1. Meet at 8:30 a.m. EDT. 

Sample Agenda

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.

Day 1: Foundation, Philosophy, and Hands-On Work

8:30 AM – 9:00 AM

• Welcome & Check-in

• Safety briefing and gear check

• Site walkthrough and introductions

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

• Introduction to masonry repointing

  • Importance in preservation

  • Mortar basics and historic compatibility

  • Tools and materials overview

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

• Demonstration: Repointing

• Hands-on: Tool familiarization and practice on an old brick, non-historic chimney

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

• Lunch (bring your own)

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

• Hands-on: Joint preparation and repointing on large non-historic chimney

• Begin work on stone pathways or retaining walls if ready

4:00 PM – 4:30 PM

• Day 1 recap, Q&A, and prep for Day 2

Day 2: Site Repointing & Refining Skills

8:30 AM – 9:00 AM

• Morning check-in and safety refresh

• Review Day 1 lessons and questions

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

• Hands-on: Repointing stone pathways and retaining walls

• Guidance from instructors on tool use, joint packing, finish technique

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

• Lunch (bring your own)

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

• Continued repointing

• Troubleshooting common issues

• Final touch-ups and mortar care

4:00 PM – 4:30 PM

• Wrap-up discussion

• Instructor feedback and Q&A

• Clean-up and secure site

What to Bring

To ensure safety and comfort during the workshop, all participants should bring:

• Closed-toe shoes (required)

• Water bottle, snacks, and lunch

• Sunscreen or sunblock

• Hat or sun protection

• Knee pads or a pad for kneeling (participants will be working close to the ground)

• Personal items: snacks, lunch, a water bottle

Be sure to wear clothes that you are okay with getting dirty. 

Accessibility Considerations

Please note: This workshop involves extended standing, kneeling, and sitting on the ground to access foundation-level masonry. If you have accessibility concerns or questions about physical requirements, please contact the course administrator before registering.

FAQs

1. When is the workshop scheduled?

The workshop will take place over two days: Friday, October 17 and Saturday, October 18.

2. Where will the workshop be held?

On October 17, 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. 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 a brick chimney, stone pathways, and a stone retaining wall, 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 onsite. 

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, kneepads. Wear clothes that can get dirty or be damaged. Long pants and long sleeves are required. 

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?

Register on this site. 

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 16. 

14. What happens if registration is full?

Once registration reaches 16 participants, please email kpratt@historictrades.org to be added to a waitlist. 

15. What is your refund policy?

The Campaign can process refund requests UP TO fourteen days before the start date of the event. No refunds will be issued in the fourteen days before the start date of the event. This is measured at 12:01 am EST on the listed start date of the event. Please email learn@historictrades.org with the subject line REFUND REQUEST, with name, event details, and total amount in the email body. The Campaign will refund 75% on the total you paid for the event; our payment processer will deduct processing fees from your total refund amount. Funds will appear in your account within 30 days of the refund being processed.