Brick & Mortar
Work with your Hands, Learn through your Heart
September 13-16, 2007
in Tappahannock, VA
Demonstrations, Tours and more.
Take part in Woodfarm's chimney restoration!
About the Instructor:
John Speweik
Vice President of U.S. Heritage Group, Inc.
Our Collaboration for this Workshop:
People passionate about the preservation of our historic buildings
seem to cross paths often. Sharon Hinson and Marjorie Ellena of HistoricProperties.com
have seen Mario Machnicki, President, and John Speweik, Vice President,
of U.S. Heritage, in a variety of cities at a number of preservation
related shows. Even upon our first meeting, it was immediately obvious
that we all love historic buildings and that we all believe in the need
for educating the public about our historic structures. So when we told
them how we rescued Woodfarm from demolition by moving this late 1700s
house and how we wanted to use the house for an educational experience,
they immediately volunteered to help by leading this historic masonry
workshop to rebuild and restore the chimneys.
And you'll soon be one of the many people who rave about their workshops and their commitment to preserving America's masonry. And we hope that while you work on these glorious chimneys, that you'll fall in love with the house we saved and you'll encourage other preservationists out there to join us in our efforts to preserve our built environment.
It is U.S. Heritage Group's mission is to help preserve America's masonry-built heritage. They help architects, building owners, masonry contractors, and government agencies preserve our nation's historic masonry structures by providing the traditional lime materials, tools, and knowledge necessary for responsible stewardship.
historicpropertieslist.com cares
about historic properties and their communities and wishes to encourage
preservation of our nation's residential and commercial history. We
make it our goal to provide an affordable marketplace where the old
house buyer and can find his/her dream property and add his/her name
to the legacy of reusing our nation's building heritage.
Area Attractions:
Extend Your Stay in the Northern Neck of Virginia
Come enjoy this "Rivah" town along the Rappahannock. Revel in the history from its Native American beginnings to Captain John Smith's attempted landing to Bacon's Rebellion to its prominence as a port trading post. Walk the streets of this quaint waterfront town and admire the many historic structures dating from 1680 to 1850. Feast on the locally caught seafood. Shop for antiques. Climb aboard the "Captain Thomas" and cruise the Rappahannock.
Richmond, Virginia's capital is less than an hour away. Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, Fredericksburg, and Washington, DC are all trips 2 hours or under.
And you'll soon be one of the many people who rave about their workshops and their commitment to preserving America's masonry. And we hope that while you work on these glorious chimneys, that you'll fall in love with the house we saved and you'll encourage other preservationists out there to join us in our efforts to preserve our built environment.
It is U.S. Heritage Group's mission is to help preserve America's masonry-built heritage. They help architects, building owners, masonry contractors, and government agencies preserve our nation's historic masonry structures by providing the traditional lime materials, tools, and knowledge necessary for responsible stewardship.
Area Attractions:
Extend Your Stay in the Northern Neck of Virginia
Come enjoy this "Rivah" town along the Rappahannock. Revel in the history from its Native American beginnings to Captain John Smith's attempted landing to Bacon's Rebellion to its prominence as a port trading post. Walk the streets of this quaint waterfront town and admire the many historic structures dating from 1680 to 1850. Feast on the locally caught seafood. Shop for antiques. Climb aboard the "Captain Thomas" and cruise the Rappahannock.
Richmond, Virginia's capital is less than an hour away. Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, Fredericksburg, and Washington, DC are all trips 2 hours or under.
Masonry Construction Practices
of the early 18th Century…
Preservation of 21st Century
Preservation of 21st Century
Fixing historic masonry with the wrong mortar formulation and inexperienced labor are two of the most problem-prone areas of any masonry project, especially as they relate to the strength and breathability of historic masonry.
Mortar mixes today are much less forgiving and far less breathable than historic mortars once were: if a failure occurs after a modern mortar has been installed, its repair may be extremely expensive and difficult to achieve. Failure to identify and establish a compatible replacement mortar or improperly install the mortar results in damage to valuable historic brick and stone.
You need a clear knowledge of mortar history and traditional ingredients to know when a straight lime mortar should be used. This workshop will provide you with practical information and show you how to solve your masonry deterioration problems in historic properties.
Hands on techniques illustrated by successful case studies from Chicago will be included in the sessions.
Preliminary Schedule:
Thursday & Friday: (8-5) 17 Professional AIA/CES Learning units. Health Safety Welfare (HSW) - For architects, contractors, preservationists, tradesmen and craftsmen
Historic brick and masonry architecture in building construction. Historic masonry workshop - hands-on, brick and mortar – restoring and rebuilding an 18th century chimney.
Saturday & Sunday: (9-4) For historic homeowners, history lovers, and everyone interested in the preservation of early buildings
Historic brick and lime mortar demonstrations and workshops. Participate in restoration of an 18th century chimney. Questions and answers with the mason about your brick and mortar problems. Open discussions with the house mover and other craftsmen. Daily escorted tours of early homes in Essex County.
Call 888-507-0501 for more details or marjorie@historicproperties.com.
Download the registration form
PDF
Make checks payable to Essex County Museum and Historical Society.
Sampling of Workshop Topics
- America’s Historic Past - Masonry Performance Then and Now
- Slake This! Turning Rocks into Mortar. Hands-on
- Deterioration 101 - The Do’s and Don’ts of Masonry Repair, Mortar to Sand?…Brick to Dust?…What Now? Hands-on
- Finding a Mortar, Mixing a Mortar with Hoe Secret Recipes circa 1720s - Hands on
- Use Your Senses - Not a Laboratory! How to Match a Historic Mortar in 4 Easy Steps.
- Chimney Rebuilding and Repointing. Observations and Demonstrations. Hands-on
- Passion & Attitude - A Good Mix. Q&A - Panel Discussions with the Experts!
Special Addition
Jim Matyiko with Expert House Movers will be on hand Friday and Saturday to speak with participants about the building moving process. Bring all your house moving questions!
Suggested Accommodations: Google Maps
Be sure to ask for the Woodfarm Workshop Discount
The Essex Inn, circa 1850
Duke Street in Tappahannock
Period inspired guest rooms and suites in the former servants' quarters
866-377-3982
The Days Inn
Tappahannock Boulevard in Tappahannock
804-443-9200
Linden House Planation B&B, circa 1750
Guestrooms in the manor house and coach house
Tidewater Trail in Champlain ~10 miles away
804-443-1170