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 and Sarah Polzin, participants will learn and practice traditional repointing techniques using both real-world conditions and controlled training environments.

Participants will have the opportunity to:

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

• 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: Mock-up panels

• Hands-on: Tool familiarization and practice on small mock-up panels

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

• Lunch (bring your own)

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

• Hands-on: Joint preparation and repointing on large mock-up panels

• Begin work on barn foundation 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 historic barn foundation

• 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: rotating between barn foundation and mock-ups

• 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, September 5th and Saturday, September 6th.

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. The facilitator is Mike Logan. 

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 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.