Window Preservation Workshop
Includes a Live In-Person Event on 05/30/2026 at 8:00 AM (EDT)
Dates: May 30, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM each day
Location: Kiwanis Park, 371 Dynasty Dr., Hagerstown, MD 21740
Class Size Limit: 15 participants
Registration Deadline: May 23, 2026
Overview
Join us for a one-day hands-on workshop focused on the repair and preservation of historic wood windows. This beginner workshop is ideal for homeowners, or anyone interested in learning traditional restoration techniques.
Held at Saylor House in Hagerstown, Maryland, this intensive course will guide participants through the following:
- Window components overview, safety, and tools
- Window sash removal
- Reglazing tools and techniques
- Wood repairs
- Weatherstripping installation
Tuition & Registration
Cost: $20 per participant
Your registration includes access to one full day of expert instruction, guided hands-on experience, and all required materials and tools. Students will take home a window sash. Payment details and further information will be provided in your registration confirmation email.
Location and Travel for Training
Training Date: May 30, 2026
Meeting Address: Kiwanis Park, 371 Dynasty Dr., Hagerstown, MD 21740
Participants are responsible for their own travel, housing, meals, and refreshments. Please plan to arrive on time for check-in at 8:00 a.m. EDT.
Learning Goals
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.
Agenda:
8:00am
- Introductions
- Discussion on the characteristics of different periods of windows, and methods of construction and glass manufacturing.
- Safety hazards related to window restoration
- Lead paint, burns, asbestos
9:00am
- Review of all tools used in window restoration
- Demonstration of sash removal from frames
10:00am
- Demonstration of different methods of removing glazing putty and glass, and paint.
- Heat plate, Speedheater
- Steam
- Chemical Strippers
11:00am
- Hands-on practice of removing glazing putty and paint
12:00pm Lunch
12:30pm
- Demonstration of glass installation and glazing
- Hands-on practice of glazing putty application
2:00pm
- Discussion and demonstration of types of wood repairs
- Epoxy
- Dutchman
- Component replacement
3:00pm
- Discussion of weatherstripping and storm windows
- Demonstration of installing weatherstripping
4:00pm
- Wrap-up
What to Bring
- Full-length pants and long sleeves (that you can get dirty)
- Weather-appropriate clothing. It may be hot, humid, cold, or windy. Check the weather and plan accordingly.
- Closed-toe shoes
- Personal items: snacks, lunch, a water bottle, sun block, bug spray
- Be sure to wear clothes that you are okay with getting dirty.
FAQs
1. When is the workshop scheduled?
The workshop will take place on Saturday, May 30th.
2. Where will the workshop be held?
On May 30, everyone will check in at: Kiwanis Park, 371 Dynasty Dr., Hagerstown, MD 21740.
3. How much does the workshop cost?
The total cost of the workshop is $20. 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. PPE, tools, and work materials will be provided.
4. Who are the instructors?
The instructor for the workshop is David Gibney.
5. What topics will be covered in the workshop?
The workshop will cover window sash components and construction, window sash materials, and reglazing tools and techniques.
6. What are the daily hours of the workshop?
The workshop will run for eight hours. Please arrive by 8:00 a.m. EDT for check-in. Learners will receive information about their daily activities once on-site.
7. Who should attend this workshop?
This introductory workshop is open to beginners, tradespeople, preservationists, and anyone interested in learning more about historic window restoration.
8. Do I need any prior experience?
No prior experience is necessary. This is an introductory, beginner workshop. 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, lunch, and snacks. Wear clothes that can get dirty or be damaged. Long pants and long sleeves are required. Recommendations: wear layers to allow for weather changes and indoor or outdoor work, bring bug spray and sunblock.
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 website. If you do not already have an account, you will need to create an account prior to registration.
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 your 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.
David Gibney
Expert Craftsman
Self-Employed, Retired
David first learned historic preservation skills in the 1980's through the "Restoration Workshop," a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP). He managed his own preservation company for 40 years, completing preservation and restoration projects ranging from simple African American churches (Tolson's Chapel, Sharpsburg, MD) to Founding Father's estates (Homewood, Baltimore Maryland and Doughoregan Manor, Howard County, Maryland). Some of his skills include repairing and replacing flat plaster, cast plaster, and plaster molding and medallions. In addition, he has repaired and reinstalled wood shutters, repaired timber frame barns, and completed traditional exterior stucco. In his retirement, he is focused on passing on his skills and knowledge through projects with HistoriCorps and the NTHP's HOPE (Hands-On Preservation Experience) Program. David's biggest challenge and greatest reward is working with the Accomplished Arts Apprentices program through the Peale Museum in Baltimore. There, he teaches repointing, basic carpentry, and plaster to 10 young adults from marginalized communities, over the course of 16 weeks.
Teaching has always been part of David's career. He has taught craft skills (windows, plaster, masonry, porches, etc.) at the Smithsonian, University of Pennsylvania, Harford Community College, and Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. David has been honored to receive the Askins Achievement Award from the Preservation Trades Network (2008) and the Preservation Artisan Award from Preservation Maryland (2019).
A Note From David:
"I have merged my loves of art, old stuff, and working with my hands by creating a 50-year career in Historic Preservation, a career that will never be replaced by AI or robots. In my retirement, I'm sharing my skills and knowledge with anyone willing to learn. I live with my wife, Sarah, and dog, Jack, near the Appalachian Trail in Smithsburg, Maryland, where we operate two Airbnb's."
Training Completed:
Beyond Hands-On Instructor Training (BHIT)
Instructor Competencies:
Blacksmithing (bronze casting, lost wax casting)
Building Analysis
Historic Preservation
Masonry (brick, cleaning, repointing)
Master Carpenter
Plaster
Stucco
Windows (repair and restoration of wood-framed windows and window glass)
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Register
- Public - $20
- Administrator - $20
- Apprentice - $20