Masonry Training at Keweenaw National Historical Park
Overview
Join us for an immersive four-day masonry training workshop at Keweenaw National Historical Park, designed for anyone interested in historic preservation and masonry repair. Scheduled for September 30-October 3, this training offers hands-on experience with materials such as lime, mortar, brick, and various types of stone. Participants will learn essential techniques like repointing and tuckpointing, all while adhering to the Secretary of the Interior's standards for preservation, restoration, and rehabilitation. The training also includes explorations of the local area, providing a deeper understanding of the historical significance of the buildings. With expert guidance from instructors Bruce Wright and Steve D'Agostino, this training is a valuable opportunity for both beginners and those looking to enhance their skills in historic preservation.
Tuition
The cost of the workshop is $25. This affordable fee ensures access to comprehensive training and expert guidance, making it an excellent value for anyone looking to gain hands-on experience in masonry preservation and repair. Payment details and additional information will be provided upon registration confirmation.
Location and Travel for Training
The dates of the training are September 30-October 3. On Day 1, everyone will meet at the Headquarters which is located at 25970 Red Jacket Rd., Calumet, MI 49913. Days 2-4, everyone will meet at the Quincy Smelter which is located at 48991 Maple St, Hancock, MI 49930.
Participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements to and from the training location, housing, and food and drinks. The area is rich in history, and attendees will have the opportunity to explore the local historical sites and buildings. Please ensure to arrive on time for check-in on the first day of the workshop.
Sample Agenda
Day 1: Historic Preservation Fundamentals & Building Analysis
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM: Check-in and Welcome at 25970 Red Jacket Rd., Calumet, MI 49913
8:30 AM - 12:30 PM: Introduction to Historic Preservation
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM: Lunch Break / Move to Quincy Smelter at 48991 Maple St, Hancock, MI 49930
1:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Building Analysis Techniques
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM: Q&A and Day 1 Wrap-up
Day 2: Materials and Techniques
8:00 AM: Morning Briefing at Quincy Smelter, 48991 Maple St, Hancock, MI 49930
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Introduction to Mortar, Lime, Cement, Brick, and Stone
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch Break
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Practical Session: Pointing and Laying Brick
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM: Q&A and Day 2 Wrap-up
Day 3: Advanced Techniques and Site Practice
8:00 AM: Morning Briefing at Quincy Smelter, 48991 Maple St, Hancock, MI 49930
8:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Deep Dive into Brick and Stone
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch Break
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Practical Session at Quincy Smelter
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM: Q&A and Day 3 Wrap-up
Day 4: Finishing Techniques and Review
8:00 AM: Morning Briefing at Quincy Smelter, 48991 Maple St, Hancock, MI 49930
8:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Repointing Practice at Quincy Smelter
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch Break
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Final Repointing and Project Completion
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Final Review
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM: Farewell and Departure
This is a sample agenda. Times and activities may change as needed.
FAQ
1. When is the workshop scheduled?
The workshop will take place over four days, September 30-October 3.
2. Where will the workshop be held?
On September 30, everyone will check-in at the Headquarters which is located at:
25970 Red Jacket Road
Calumet, MI 49913
3. How much does the workshop cost?
The cost of the workshop is $25. 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 instructors for the workshop are Bruce Wright and Steve D'Agostino, both experienced historic masons.
5. What topics will be covered in the workshop?
The workshop will cover Historic Preservation Fundamentals, Building Analysis, and Masonry Preservation and Repair. Topics include the Secretary of the Interior's standards for preservation, historic preservation principles, lime, mortar, brick, other types of stone, repointing, and tuckpointing.
6. What are the daily hours of the workshop?
The workshops will run for eight hours each day, Monday through Thursday. General start times vary each day. Day 1, please arrive by 8:00 a.m. for check-in. Learners will receive an agenda once they arrive. That agenda will note start times and locations for each day. Note that the agenda is subject to change as needed.
7. 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 sunscreen, a water bottle, snacks, a hat, a light jacket (for cooler days).
8. Are there any additional activities included in the workshop?
Yes, learners will have the opportunity to explore the local area and learn about the history of the buildings they are working on.
9. How do I register for the workshop?
Register on this site.
10. Is travel and accommodation included in the workshop fee?
No, participants are responsible for their own travel, food and accommodation arrangements.
11. What is the maximum number of attendees for the workshop?
The maximum number of attendees is 30.
Bruce Wright
Stonemason
Livingston Hollow Corp.
Bruce has been in the masonry business for over 45 years and still working, instructing, teaching the ‘lost art” of stonemasonry. He learned the business through trial and error; he did not have a mentor. Bruce has had his own masonry business for 33 years and worked in a National Register town, built in the Victorian Era (1880’s-1910) named Eureka Springs, Arkansas. The business became remarkably successful because there was a need for historic preservation. After a while, he wanted to get to another level in his career. There was an opportunity for employment in the National Park Service, working through the Historic Preservation Training Center (HPTC) based in Frederick, MD. This employment took Bruce to National Parks all over the country for 14 years. A real “dream job”. Bruce loves to pass on his knowledge, skills, and abilities to others, so that the skill can be continued for future generations. After retiring from NPS, he has been called to serve as a “Mason Trainer” and has been working through NEWS for the last 4 years.
Note from Bruce: "Follow and continue the dream!"
Kelly Pratt
Training Coordinator
The Campaign for Historic Trades
Kelly has B.A. in historic preservation from the University of Mary Washington. Her education and experience encompasses archaeology, museums, archives, cemeteries, architectural materials conservation, and research. She is currently working towards a master's degree in Cultural and Heritage resource management. Kelly specializes in minority cemetery preservation, documentation, and mapping. She focuses on applying historic preservation standards and sustainable practices to protect and restore cultural heritage. In her spare time, she experiments with stained glass.
Training Completed:
Beyond Hands-On Instructor Training (BHIT)
Instructor Competencies:
Cemetery Preservation
Cemetery Documentation and Mapping
Headstone Cleaning
Historic Preservation
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