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Program Objectives

This masonry preservation workshop will teach the fundamentals of masonry brick and stone construction and techniques for stabilization, repair, and repointing.

  • Review the short- and long-term health effects of masonry restoration.
  • Identify and assess masonry materials and styles.
  • Identify and carefully understand cause and effect prior to executing repairs.
  • Understand the differences between today’s code compliant mortars and historic mortars.
  • Non-invasively remove deteriorating mortars with both manual and power tools.
  • Mix historically appropriate mortars.
  • Repoint on sample boards along with on actual historic structures.
  • Repoint masonry utilizing both hawk and slick and squeeze bag techniques.
  • Weathering of newly installed mortars

 

Program

Who Should Attend

  • Anyone with a strong interest in working with traditional masonry techniques.
  • 18+ years
  • Basic construction skills are a plus, but not required.
  • Able to lift 50 lbs. and stand for several hours.

 

What to Expect

Besides a good time, prepare to be active and learn. Participants will be sitting, standing, crouching, using repetitive motions with their hands, and potentially climbing ladders, in addition to working outside in the weather.

Participants should:

  • Wear comfortable works clothes and close-toed shoes.
  • Bring gloves and safety glasses.
  • Bring a jacket and/or a rain jacket in case of rain and temperature changes.
  • Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and/or a sun hat.
  • Lunch, snacks and water bottle.

We will provide:

  • Tools and Materials
  • Additional sunscreen
  • A masonry restoration booklet

 

Cost

  • The program costs $600 (a link with payment request will be sent separately)

Time

  • 9:00am-3:00pm each day, for 4 days

Location

  • Prescott Farm – 2009 W. Main Rd.  Middletown, RI  02842
  • We will be working primarily outside. Should the weather not cooperate, we will hold class in the barn at Prescott Farm.
  • For Weekend 2, participants may be asked to meet in Newport to work on historic buildings in town. Locations will be determined closer to the beginning of class.

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If you are interested, please complete this online application.

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For more information, contact NRF’s Historic Trades Initiative Manager:

Kris Turgeon

kris@newportrestoration.org

401- 556- 7165

Intern Tasks and Duties (under supervision):

  • Perform the duties of a carpenter, including the repair or, if necessary, reproduction of window frames, sash, doors, ridge boards, moldings, water tables, corner boards, frieze boards, soffit, and any other elements of exterior and/or interior trim; cut, set, sanding, and glaze glass.
  • Assess the existing conditions of historic material and assist in helping NRF make sound decisions regarding preserving, repairing, restoring, or replacing historic materials or features.
  • Operate, safely and expertly, the following equipment: table saw, band saw, 6” auto-feed molding machine, shaper, 12” disc sander, drill press, bench grinders, mortising machine, and all types of hand tools.
  • Maintain existing equipment and machinery to ensure safe operation.
  • Provide painting, varnishing, and staining for woodwork.

 

Schedule

  • 10-12 weeks, start date based on student availability
  • NRF Mill is home base each day
  • Monday- Friday 8:00 – 4:30   30 min for lunch
  • $18.00 per hour as an NRF employee
  • Weekly rotation between field and mill. Once projects & availability are selected, a formal schedule will be provided.

 

Required Skills

  • Knowledge of basic operation of stationary machinery- thickness plainer, miter box, radial arm saw, and table saw
  • 1 year of base carpentry experience or training – preservation training is not necessary
  • Knowledge of machinery safety protocol
  • Intern must have reliable transportation to mill

 

Intern should possess the following qualities:

  • Detail oriented. To meet specifications of project at hand and to keep themselves safe.
  • Dexterity.Must be able make precise cuts with a variety of hand tools and power tools. Strong hand-eye coordination.
  • Math skills.Knowledge of basic math and computer skills are important. Understand basic geometry to visualize how the wood pieces will fit together to fabricate a three-dimensional object.
  • Mechanical skills.Working knowledge of large machinery such as a planer, drill press, and table saw.
  • Physical stamina.Ability to endure long periods of standing and repetitious movements.
  • Physical strength.Woodworkers must be strong enough to lift bulky and heavy pieces of wood, such as plywood.
  • Technical skills.Woodworkers must be able to understand and interpret design drawings and technical manuals for a range of products and machines.
  • Desire to learn & possess natural curiosity.

 

Interns will be required to comply with NRF safety policies.

 

To apply, complete the application using this link.

 

Also, send a copy of your resume to kris@newportrestoration.org .

 

If you have questions, feel free to reach out to NRF Trades Initiative Manager Kris Turgeon at kris@newportrestoration.org  or (401) 556-7165.

Objective

54% of Newport properties are of a historic age making Newport/Aquidneck Island an ideal area to be exposed to the historic trades.  Through this job shadowing program, participants will understand the breadth of trades involved in preservation and where their interests lie. Once complete, participants will have insight into whether they wish to pursue a career in the historic trades.

 

Program

All applicants will be interviewed and approved prior to participation.  Applications will be accepted and job shadowing programs occurring throughout the year.

 

Participant Profile

  • Strong interest in working in the trades.
  • 18+ years and good command of spoken English.
  • Basic construction skills are a plus, but not required.
  • Able to lift 50 lbs. and stand for several hours.
  • Format
  • 8:00am-4:30pm each day for 5 days
  • Days can be consecutive or staggered over several weeks.
  • Indoor and outdoor work will be completed. Participants must dress accordingly.
  • Participants will be paid a stipend of $600 for 5 days.

 

Areas of Exposure- tailored to trainee interest & NRF workload

  • Painting
  • Carpentry
  • Site preparation
  • Location
  • Participant will start the day at the NRF Mill (62 Halsey St, Newport).
  • Each day, participants will travel with the NRF crew to one of the organization’s historic properties (i.e., job site).

 

To apply, complete the application using this link.

 

Also, send a copy of your resume to kris@newportrestoration.org .

 

If you have questions, feel free to reach out to NRF Trades Initiative Manager Kris Turgeon at kris@newportrestoration.org  or (401) 556-7165.

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