Determining a repair strategy for timber structures requires knowledge of the type and extent of deterioration, which is often not visible. Resistance drilling is one technique that provides information about the hidden conditions of wood. The term “resistance drilling” has been used to describe any drilling technique intended to measure the ease of drill penetration into wood. In this context resistance drilling is a quasi-nondestructive assessment method where a specialized drill pushes a small diameter needle through wood and displays a graph of the relative wood density. Voids inside the wood or areas of deterioration due to insect attack or wood decay fungi can be readily identified and appear on the graph as areas of no resistance. Demonstration of this method will show that it is reliable for quantifying the extent of internal voids due to decay or wood-boring insect activity.

Biography: Ron Anthony received an M.S. in Wood Science and Technology from Colorado State University. Prior to forming Anthony & Associates, Inc. in 1999, he conducted research and consulted on wood properties and the use of wood in construction applications. Anthony & Associates focuses on evaluating the performance of wood in historic structures and conducting forensic investigations. Research activities have focused on nondestructive evaluation and materials testing to better understand how wood interacts with other materials and performs over time. These efforts have led to applications of resistance drilling and digital radioscopy for quantifying decay in structural timbers and investigating hidden conditions.

Ron's consulting activities have focused on the application of these innovative inspection technologies for assessment of wood in historic structures, such as Gustav Stickley’s Craftsman Farms in Morris Plains, New Jersey; James Madison's Montpelier in Virginia; Benjamin Latrobe’s Basilica of the Assumption in Baltimore; Mission San Miguel Arcangel in California, and the Hanging Flume in Colorado. He also conducts forensic investigations on wood-related failures, such as the collapse of Pavilion I at the University of Virginia. Mr. Anthony is the 2002 recipient of the James Marston Fitch Foundation Grant for his approach to evaluating wood in historic buildings.

This session will focus on gravestone preservation techniques treatments and conservation procedures. An historic over view on the history of gravestones in America, with a focus on problems with stone placed in an outdoor setting.  The session will include a detailed discussion on preservation methods encouraging questions and group interaction.

Biography: Jonathan Appell is a gravestone conservator and monuments mason who works throughout the United States.  He hosts training seminars; gravestone and monument conservation workshops to help more people to become able to gain knowledge and experience in the field of gravestone and historic masonry preservation techniques.  Jonathan has been working in fields relating to gravestones and monuments for over 20 years.  Prior to entering the stone preservation field, Jonathan attend violin making school, made cabinets, built houses and additions, performed tiling, as well as many other related trades.  Through a chance meeting, he became involved with modern monument installation in 1986.  This then led him fully into the field of cemetery contracting where he performed excavation, foundations, monument installation and monument repair.  Jonathan began to become involved with preserving historic stones which needed different and special techniques.  This in turn led him to seek out extensive training through workshops, conferences, reading and all other related avenues of gaining knowledge and experience.  To complete the cycle, Jonathan now specializes in training others to conserve gravestones and monuments.

During the workshop a team of stonemasons will cut stone to make a bench to be given to the Colorado Mountain College in commemoration of the event and as a way of thanks for hosting this year’s gathering.  The team will include one stonemason from Lincoln Cathedral and two students from The American College of the Building Arts working in collaboration.  This serves as a way to further cement the ties already between the college and the cathedral and as a way to continue the education process for the two students. Work will be going on continuously throughout the weekend allowing access at any time for observation and a chance to talk to the masons about the process.  Designs and templates as well as tools will be there for people to see.  Hopefully there will be enough spare stone to allow for those who have never tried masonry to see what it is like to use traditional tools to work stone.

Biography: Growing up in Burlington, Vermont; Damon dreamed of becoming a stonemason and building a Gothic Cathedral.  Believing the only way to follow this dream was through a traditional apprenticeship, starting as a teenager, Damon became a cook; eventually working for some of the finest restaurants in Vermont.  In 1998 he happened to meet the then Head Mason of Salisbury Cathedral during a visit to England, who told him of the schools training stonemasons.  In 2000 Damon started a course at Weymouth College in Dorset, UK, finishing in 2002 with an HND in Architectural Stonemasonry and Conservation.  Ten days after the course finished Damon started work at Lincoln Cathedral. During the past seven years Damon has had the opportunity to work on a number of prestigious jobs at the Cathedral such as the Dean’s Eye window (both cutting stone and fixing) and the new toilet block.  For a number of years Damon was in charge of setting out and making templates for restoration work.  Since December 2007 Damon has been the Acting Deputy Team Leader for the Stonemasons.

Camille has written a handbook for owners of Alabama's and Virginia's historic houses and can share with homeowner’s information gleaned from her work with SHPO offices in NC, AL and VA. Many programs and incentives are available to homeowners, but deciphering them can be confusing. And finally, she can help homeowners understand the programs, how to prioritize their work items or search for the appropriate tradesperson to assist with their specific project(s).

Biography: Camille Agricola Bowman received her Master of Science in Historic Preservation from Columbia University's Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Historic Preservation, following her graduation from Hollins College and Chatham Hall in Virginia. Ms. Bowman has nearly 30 years of experience in the field of historic preservation, having worked in Virginia, North Carolina, New York City, and in her home state of Alabama. Because she is trained as an architectural conservator, her work in the field of historic preservation most often involves the understanding of building materials and how they deteriorate, solutions for their preservation, and maintenance as a prescribed prevention technique. Currently, Ms. Bowman is employed as Easement Technical Advisor and is located in the Tidewater Region Preservation Office, Department of Historic Resources, Commonwealth of Virginia, Newport News office, and she serves as secretary to the board of the Preservation Trades Network. Ms. Bowman has written the Handbook for Owners of Alabama’s Historic Houses and the Handbook and Resource Guide for Owners of Virginia’s Historic Properties.

Has the green movement gone too far? Do you feel pressure to update without conscience? Well, we are here to talk about it. Join Robert Cagnetta and Steven Hoyt to talk about case studies involving the sensitive retrofit of historic buildings. Cultural trends, twisted marketing, politics and poorly substantiated internet info all have coalesced to confuse the educated and invigorate the ignorant. We learn best from the past, seeking to understand the effect we may have on buildings in the future. So let's get it out, talk about what we have done wrong, right and different, so we may all make a better tomorrow. And as Mel Brooks said "As long as the world is turning and spinning, we're gonna be dizzy and we're gonna make mistakes."

Biography:  Rob has participated in the preservation trades for some 20 years. He started his journey at Roger Williams College (now university) in 1987 and found his passions for science, math, art and history lie in the traditional building trades. And as luck would have it, Rhode Island offered some of the most diverse historic American architecture, ranging from 17th century stone meeting houses, to 18th century Providence, 19th century Queen Anne. This concentrated built environment offered an ability to refine the craft of traditional building restoration and preservation. His work brought him even out of state, to several National Parks, learning alongside amazing craftspeople and preservation leaders. In 2001, Rob partnered to create Heritage Restoration, Inc. and performs work ranging from window restoration, to structural repairs, to finishes to turn key projects. Rob's more recent rants have involved green and sustainable building practices, and how to best manipulate and upgrade historic buildings. Rob continues to feed off his peers and spread the good word of what we do, why we do it and where we will go from here.

I will demonstrate and discuss techniques to match historic mortar. Describe properties of hydraulic lime, Type S lime, and quicklime, as well as applications. Show how to conduct mortar analysis using simple water solution tests, and muriatic acid tests to determine presence of lime. Further demonstrations will be given for matching sand for color and texture to historic samples. We will also discuss historic lime burning and slaking methods as well as actually slaking a small quantity of quicklime to develop a historic mortar sample, the matched formula to be used on a Virginia City preservation project. An overview of our experiences with historic lime kilns in Southwest Montana will be given pertaining to their historic function as well as preservation techniques we have applied. We will incorporate what we have learned about a variety of masonry preservation applications in the vernacular gold rush era buildings of the Rocky Mountain West.

Dave the Painter has spent his career making bad things look great. Learn how to use modern products and techniques to get the right texture that lasts. Dave will explain how to prep, select products, mix and apply plaster, and what the right finishes should be. Dave will use sample panels to reproduce plaster finishes, using a modern three coat systems, wire lath and plasterboard. Bring your problems and leave the home improvement big box retailer techniques at home.

Windows let the light shine in. But they should keep water and unwanted weather out. If they work properly, they allow air to circulate and reduce dependence on forced air systems. But window maintenance is a sporadic, "as needed" undertaking which is labor intensive. Not hard, but if done well it is meticulous. What matters and what doesn't? How to get the best results with the resources (time and money and talent) available? Restore vs. Replace? Addressing the whole opening (facings & jambs included)? Let's talk about it all, y'all.

Biography: After continuously working on some old house or another "on the side" of my regular life, I began doing so "for hire" over ten years ago. My fascination with windows began in an 1888 Victorian cottage with eight missing window panes needing replacement to keep wind and rain and varmints out. It progressed to a 1910 Queen Anne with 42 windows. By the time I was done, they all worked. Now I have seven sets of 1925 craftsman cottage casement windows awaiting my attention. Meanwhile, I stay busy on other folks' windows. And what ever else it takes to make a living in the trades.

David Gibney – “Porches, Porticos and Pattern Books”
President, Historic Restoration Specialists, Inc.
Smithsburg, Maryland

This presentation will discuss and demonstrate various methods for effective maintenance and repair for exterior porch components, flooring and balustrades.  The use of proper tools and restoration products will be covered along with the evolution and history of exterior building components.

Biography: David Gibney has been a practicing restoration craftsman in several of the traditional trades, carpentry, masonry, plastering, log and timber frame structures for the past 30 years.  He is the owner of Historic Restoration Specialists, Inc. in Smithsburg, Maryland.  His areas of expertise include carpentry, masonry, decorative plaster, timber and log structure restoration.  David is a graduate of the Restoration Workshop sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation 1980 to 1982.  He is currently on the staff of instructors in the Building and Preservation programs at Harford and Allegany College.  He also is a guest instructor for the University of Pennsylvania, the Masters program in Historic Preservation.  He has been a guest instructor for the American College of the Building Arts, Northern Virginia College and Shepherd College for the past several years.  David has given restoration workshops for the Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC, workshops for the National Park Service and has been a demonstrator for the past ten years for the annual IPTW conference.  David serves on the Board of Directors of PTN.

Today’s professional preservation tradesman must be schooled and versatile in working with new and evolving design, technology and materials as well as ages old fabric. Join the Colorado Mountain College team as they demonstrate the use of their portable sawmill to help fabricate material for installation to a contemporary design infill project and a historic log building.

Biography: Steve Harris is a career contractor and tradesman with over 30 years experience working on new and historic building projects.  Currently he is principal of Cloud City Builders and adjunct faculty member of the Historic Preservation Program at Colorado Mountain College.

The Deans Eye project spanned almost twenty years.  In 1988 the Cathedral Consultant Structural Engineer and Architect, along with other specialists came to the decision that the mediaeval stonework was at the point of failure.  The mediaeval glass dating from 1220 was removed.  The project evolved over a period of over 10 ten years, from heated debates regarding the conservation of the stonework and the glass, to actual work on site.  The project was completed in 2006. The Cathedral Clericus Fabricae, with the aid of PowerPoint slides will chart this complex project from a team management prospective, giving an insight into how the project, involving many trades was planned and delivered

Biography: Born in 1960 in the county of Lincolnshire, Carol spent her early working years as an Engineering Buyer for a local food manufacturing company.  Carol joined the Works Department in 1988 as an Administrative Assistant.  The following 15 years involved learning the business from grass root level, supporting the then Clerk of Works, particularly in respect of the budget process and job allocation.  Whilst working full time she completed a HND in Business and Finance.  In 2003 Carol was appointed Works Manager, the first female in the Cathedral’s 900 year history to hold the post and the first female Cathedral Works Manager in the UK.

In 2005 Carol had the honour of being installed.  This position is an ancient one, going back to the building of the Cathedral.  Being a post of significance it has long been honoured by having a seat in the Choir, along side the Dean and Canons and other dignitaries.  Carol is also a member of the UK Institute of Clerk of Works, The Cathedral Clerk of Works Association and is a founder member of Cathedral Workshop Fellowship, the latter being a group of eight English Cathedrals whose aim is to improve heritage craft skills training in the UK.

Duffy Hoffman – “Restoration and Weatherization of Window Frames”
Elkins, West Virginia

This session will provide an overview of the restoration of wood windows through re-installation and weatherization including the history of window sash and glass, and discussion and demonstration of removal, repair, glazing and re-installation.

Biography: Duffy Hoffman is a third-generation craftsman with more than twenty years’ experience in the preservation trades.  He specializes in paint removal, interior and exterior painting, plaster wall restoration, wallpaper installation, shutter, door, and window sash restoration, as well as restoration carpentry, repairs, and millwork fabrication. Notable landmark projects include the Sheldon House and Tusculum in Princeton, NJ, the Locktown Friends’ Church (NJ), and the Cornwall Iron Furnace (PA).  Duffy has been featured in numerous newspaper and magazine articles and on the HGTV program “Restore America.”  He has been demonstrating at IPTWs since IPTW 2000, and is a former member of the PTN Board of Directors.

Coast Redwood is a unique wood grown only on the Pacific Coast of California and Southern Oregon; with old-growth nearly extinct. The cross-continental railroad developed a main vein of travel that soon sprouted redwood buildings along the way. Gingerbread, or fancy trim found in the later Victorian Era and early Craftsmen buildings were of old-growth redwood.  You will learn characteristics of this material through various conservation and repair projects. Bill uses various “Dutchman” repairs, splices and epoxies to complete the variety of common problems faced with wood structures of the later 19th century around the Pacific Coast. Window sash, water tables, exterior casings, decorative trim, siding boards, and girders that all receive excess water damage are always part of the stabilization plans and repairs needed on historic buildings. Using like-in-kind materials for conservation is a key to success in this work, where epoxy and fillers, or fasteners augment the process.

Biography:  Bill Hole has been working with his hands in various trades for thirty years. House painting, boat building, custom carpentry, concrete, structural steel, machine tool, cabinet and millwork, and stained glass all developed his craft skills for teaching new home construction at College of the Redwoods in Eureka, California since 1991. He started a Historic Preservation and Restoration Technology certificate program (HPRT) in 1996 and in 2002 developed a hands-on Associate of Science Historic Preservation and Restoration Technology program (still unique on the West Coast). He thrives on teaching people the successful use of tools, preservation techniques/craft, sustainable building practices, and critical thinking skills that are fundamental to building conservation and recycling our historic resources. "Preservation is about community working together to sustain pride of ownership".

Bill Hole, College of the Redwoods Professor of Construction and Historic Preservation Technologies, teaches architectural restoration and building reuse. In this workshop he provides hands-on instruction in conservation strategies of historic redwood windows.  Topics will include: Window terminology, sash construction, removal of wooden sash, repairs and remedies, pulleys and weight cords, glazing techniques for replacing broken glass, painting, and the tools and safety considerations used in this work.  Dave the Painter from Heritage Restoration, Inc will join Bill in demonstrating window sash painting. He will teach participants the steps for prep, prime, and painting wooden sash after it has been repaired.

Biography:  Bill Hole has been working with his hands in various trades for thirty years. House painting, boat building, custom carpentry, concrete, structural steel, machine tool, cabinet and millwork, and stained glass all developed his craft skills for teaching new home construction at College of the Redwoods in Eureka, California since 1991. He started a Historic Preservation and Restoration Technology certificate program (HPRT) in 1996 and in 2002 developed a hands-on Associate of Science Historic Preservation and Restoration Technology program (still unique on the West Coast). He thrives on teaching people the successful use of tools, preservation techniques/craft, sustainable building practices, and critical thinking skills that are fundamental to building conservation and recycling our historic resources. "Preservation is about community working together to sustain pride of ownership".

Most of the cost of running ten or twenty feet of replica or custom molding is in knife grinding and setting up machinery. Short runs are expensive and make your planing mill operator grumpy. Find out why! Seriously, it can be rewarding and fun to do it yourself with a few simple hand and shop tools, and you can save weeks in your schedule if you can do it in your shop (or on saw horses.)This will be an interactive session in which Jim Houston will show how he has learned to make small runs of molding, and participants will be invited to share their own experiences or take in some new ones.

Biography: Jim Houston has been in the building trades for thirty-one years. He has been in preservation and restoration full time since 1990, working for the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission since 1995. He has done numerous demonstrations and workshops on shingle making, log hewing and notching, and public presentations on 18th and 19th century wood uses in Pennsylvania. Houston and John Fugelso wrote an article on fabricating and installing side lap shingles which was published in the APT Bulletin in 2008.  Jim Houston's main Preservation interest is in recovering and continuing traditional trade practices.

Keith Langton – “Traditional Ornate Plasterwork Methods – If it Don’t move Then Mould it”
Plasterer
Wakefield, West Yorkshire
United Kingdom

This demonstration will cover fabrication of a basic plaster cornice model/mould and finish traditional plaster/hessian cornice casts from the mould, including explanation of the materials and processes involved.

Biography: Keith Langton has nearly 30 years experience within the plaster industry concentrating on the manufacture and installation of decorative plasterwork. He is well versed in the modern methods and materials including large shopping Malls and modern hotels but prefers to work with the original methods to restore and matched existing work. He has worked all around the globe inc Naples, New York, San Francisco, Beirut, Germany, Hong Kong, Zurich etc from teaching locals in china to running sites such as Buckingham Palace London – he has a passion for his chosen industry and is currently writing a book comparing old and new methods.

This session will focus on preserving the log-craft of the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) in the Pacific Northwest. See how they would turn a log into a finished rafter using traditional hand tools. Their method of joinery, surface tooling and shaping will be demonstrated. Samples of their work and blueprints that they followed will be on display.  There is much interest lately in the programs that FDR started during the great depression of the 1930’s. The CCC was one of his most popular programs. Members of the Corp built and improved both national and state parks. The design work done in the rustic style of architecture was provided by the National Park Service. The work was intended to display a romanticized version of earlier pioneer craft.  This session will help you understand the passion that many people have towards preserving the legacy of the CCC.

Biography: Currently, Cal Lewis is a park ranger at Honeyman State Park on the central coast of Oregon. He oversees preservation of Honeyman’s rustic features within its historic district. He also is a member of a state park preservation core team that works on historic properties throughout the state. Working for Oregon State Parks for over 30 years has provided Cal with extensive experience in traditional building skills. He has worked on lighthouses, an abandoned mining town, several historic barns, and worked with rustic log and stone facilities within Oregon State Parks.

A demonstration of traditional lead-glazed stained glass, cutting intricate shapes in a variety of glasses for the purpose of repairing church window. Glass painting with fired oxides and stains and the final assembly of the pieces into a leaded window panel by lead-glazing and soldering.  The purpose is to give a brief insight into the processes involved and skills required, and a look at the materials and tools and equipment required to undertake this type of work.  Also the health and safety implications of working with lead and lead oxides and other hazardous materials of the trade.

Randall Marder will share his experience working on Greene & Greene Houses and Museum.  What was their design approach. How their detailed and comprehensive design approach has been lost in current day architecture design. What were their influences. What is a craftsman, and how to approach their preservation.

Biography: Since 1972 R.M. Design & Construction has specialized in Architectural and Historical Restoration and Preservation. We are Preservationists First.  With decades of experience and knowledge of historic architecture, hands-on expertise in current and historic restoration techniques, and close relationships with other skilled craftsman assures consistency and uncompromised quality from concept to completion. Our primary mission is to preserve all historic and architectural elements for future generations. We enjoy working with the local community to provide elements to the site for all ages to enjoy. When it is safe, on-site visits are welcome. All projects are treated with the greatest respect. Before any historical work starts, the site is thoroughly inspected and all historic elements are noted and photographed. When the restoration work starts, all historic elements are carefully removed and labeled for reuse; everything is saved, even down to the original cut nails. When the work is completed the site and all historic structures look as the original designer had intended.

This session will provide an overview of masonry restoration techniques and materials. Bricks (known as masonry units to architects and engineers) will be discussed in detail as to their makeup, color, hardness, versatility, and modern day evolution. Mortar types (from lime putty to Portland cement) and the need for compatibility between brick and mortar will be covered. Historical joint details, conservation vs. restoration of masonry structures, and techniques for each will also be discussed.. Although mainly a regional issue, stone structures will also be discussed.

Biography:  Miles is the president and owner of Rochester - Miller Restoration Inc. The company was formed in 1981 soon after Miles graduated from the University Of Kentucky College of Business Administration. Over the past 28 years, Rochester-Miller Restoration's resume of jobs could be a virtual "Where's Where" of the Bluegrass's historical structures. Miles has twice received the Blue Grass Trust's "Preservation Craftsman of the Year" award covering all the trades, as well as the Kentucky Heritage Council's "Service to Preservation" award. He was an eight year board member of Commonwealth Preservation Advocates and Preservation Kentucky. Miles is also a part time Kentucky Community and Technical College System teacher, having taught numerous classes in masonry restoration, and has lectured at numerous Kentucky Heritage Council's, statewide conferences.

Carlos Nielbock – “Who Made Otzi’s Axe? Copper Forging Since 3200 BC”
CAN Arts Handworks
Detroit, Michigan

Copper has been hand forged since pre-historic time to produce tools, weapons and building materials. Otzi the Iceman, a well-preserved male dated to 3300-3200 BC, was found with an axe with a copper head 99.7% pure. Many of our notable and iconic buildings have ornamental features, and fixtures hand crafted through the time honored tradition of copper forging.

Being relatively soft and very ductile, copper is hand forged without being heated. As it is being forged, work hardening occurs which necessitates the heating process of annealing. Annealing relaxes the brittle work-hardened molecules of the metal and returns its original ductility.

Carl will describe and highlight through demonstration the properties of the material, the tools and techniques used in traditional copper forging.  Several examples of forged copper work from Carl’s collection will be displayed, along with illustrations of copper forged architectural ornament and fixtures.

Biography: Carlos Nielbock specializes in the rare art of architectural and ornamental metal hand crafting. He is also dedicated to reviving interest in the rare art through restoration, custom fabrication, and exact duplication of ornamental metal structures for commercial as well residential projects.  He was educated as a blacksmith and metal worker in Johannesburg, West Germany.  Awards include: 2004 Silver Award Winner of the National Ornamental & Miscellaneous Metal Association, 2005 Award Winner of the Detroit Home Design and 2006 Silver & Bronze Award Winner of the National Ornamental & Miscellaneous Metal Association.

Mike & Colleen Perschbacher – Preservation Projects Tour
Owners, Older Than Dirt Construction
Salida, Colorado

This tour will feature projects combining traditional methods with new technology which were funded in part by the Colorado State Historical Fund (SHF) and work done in accordance with the  Secretary of Interiors Standards.  Featured projects will include the Buena Vista Depot and Turner Farm and the Turner Farm including the farm house log barn, homestead cabin, chicken coop and/or the Hutchinson Homestead, located in Salida, where preservation of 10 log outbuildings now in progress, the St. Elmo Schoolhouse and St.  Elmo Town Hall & Jail, located in the ghost town of St. Elmo.

Biographies: After 29 years of owning and operating a highly successful construction company, Mike Perschbacher decided to use his talent and skill to do what he is most passionate about- historic restoration.  State Historic Funded projects include Buena Vista Depot (exterior restoration), Eureka Masonic Lodge #66 (window restoration), Hutchinson Homestead (structural and exterior rehabilitation of main house and 10 log outbuildings), Tabor Home (structural and exterior rehabilitation), St. Elmo Schoolhouse (structural and exterior rehabilitation), and the Presbyterian Church (structural discovery).  Mike also taught 2 wood window restoration workshops in 2008.

Colleen became partner in Older Than Dirt with Mike in 2004, after 11 yrs of marriage.  She also works with Mike as project manager, producing specifications and managing the office in addition to work as a grant writer and grant administrator.

A discussion of the needs involved in providing education and leadership for future craftsmen. The origins and direction of current operating programs will be discussed, along with results from National Center for Preservation Technology and Training (NCPTT) funded Preservation Trades Summit, held in Detroit in 2008.  The successful Randolph/Historic Fort Wayne trades education project will be reviewed along with a showing of a 15 minute DVD about the project.

Biography: Steve Stier is a Michigan licensed builder specializing in Historic Preservation, traditional construction methods and materials, and consultation for owners of elderly buildings. He taught timber frame construction at Tillers International (Kalamazoo MI) leading workshops in new, but traditionally designed and constructed timber framed structures. Steve has extensive experience in the restoration of many types of historic structures along with specialized study and experience in repairing, and, moving traditional barns. He has a Masters Degree in Historic Preservation from Eastern Michigan University (2000) and a Masters Degree in Industrial Arts Education from Western Michigan University (1974). Steve has a Research Associate appointment with the Traditional Arts Program at the Michigan State University Museum. He is a founding member of the Michigan Barn Preservation Network, currently chair of the Technical Committee, and a board member of the Michigan Historic Preservation Network and serves on its Historic Resources Council, and the Education and Executive Committees. Steve has served as Project Coordinator for the Randolph Career and Technical Center and the Calhoun Area Career Center Preservation Trades projects, as well as the Detroit Preservation Trades Education Summit.

Barry Sumrall – “How  Sharp is Sharp?”
Project Manager, Heritage Restoration, Inc.
Cranston, Rhode Island

What is the process to turn what may be mistaken for a paint covered blunted screwdriver back into a functioning and sharp wood chisel? Learn the methods and techniques for safe sharpening and maintenance of a honed edge for woodworking tools. Chisels, plane irons, and cabinet scrapers will be covered along with set up and use.

Biography: As a former art student I was set loose on the working world to figure out what I was really going to be when I grew (grow) up. Working in the trades for the last 20 some odd years I've progressing from museum art handler, to cabinet maker, finish carpenter, furniture maker, with a stint boat building, and beyond. I earned an MS in Building Conservation from RPI in 2002 and have focused on historic structures ever since now serving as a project manager for Heritage Restoration in Providence, RI.

This session will cover a German style techniques for laying out and installing slate roofing in a round valley. Some call these slate roof installations the king of all roofs, as they highlight a very natural flow. We will also install a small slate siding demo with a design.  With unlimited possibilities a one of a kind design can be created with over 20 different slate shades of color.You will see this and the uses of traditional slate cutting tools and a few of the may way you can install it.  "Slate It"

Using all Vermont slate donated by Steven Taran from Taran Bros Slate.