Dates: November 7-8, 2025

Time: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM each day

Location: Gathland State Park, 900 Arnoldstown Road, Jefferson, MD 21755

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
 
         8:15 a.m.   Sign in and registration   
         8:30 a.m.   Classroom session begins   
                           History & Background of Dry Stone Construction
                           Basic Fundamentals and Theory
                           Safe Lifting Techniques 
         9:15 a.m.   Coffee Break                    
         9:30 a.m.   Start dismantling Historic Dry Stone wall in pairs  
      12.00 p.m.    Lunch Break
       12:30 p.m    Afternoon Session
                           Return to Work Site Continue to build   
        4:00 p.m.    Tidy up site / make safe, Summary of the Work Day.
 
Day 2
 
          8:30 a.m.    Recap on previous day
                             Continue to build
          9:15  a.m.   Coffee Break
          9:30 a.m.    Return to work on individual sections 
        12:00 p.m.    Lunch
         12:30 p.m.   Return to site   
          3:00 p.m.    Coping complete / Tidy site / Signs and Cones down.
          3:30 p.m.    Summary of Basic Principles / Evaluations / Certificates of Attendance
          4:00 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.