Barn Restoration Workshop | June 13-18, 2016

Barn Restoration Workshop – June 13-18
The park will again be hosting our barn restoration workshop June 13-18th at the John Burfiend Barn located on Port Oneida Road, four (4) miles north of Glen Arbor, Michigan on M-22.   This year marks the 20^th year of the partnership between the Michigan Barn Preservation Network and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in developing this series of “hands-on” workshops.  The park and the Michigan Barn Preservation Network are providing the skilled labor to put on this workshop.
 
The workshop will address repairing “Barn Floors and Hewn Building Sills and Floor Joists”.  The John Burfiend Barn was the site of the first park and Michigan Barn Preservation Network workshop in 1997.  The course will include 1) basics about structural and load analysis for floors and sills, 2) repair of rough sawn floor boards, floor joist and, 3) repair and installation of hewn sills, 4) exterior siding repair, and 5) tool safety while completing the task presented.  This workshop is again able to provide a unique experience for all participants.
 
The course is set up so participants receive “hands on” training of all techniques.  The workshop begins on site at 9:00 a.m. each day.  There is no cost to participants. Tools and materials will be provided.  Participants should wear boots, gloves, and bring a sack lunch for each day that they attend.  Participants can sign up for any number of days.
 
Workers are not required to be skilled in the building trades, though experience will be helpful and appreciated.  The purpose of the workshop is to teach the techniques and train owners and those interested how to do restoration work on timber and frame structures, including concrete and stonework.  Past workshop attendees have ranged in age from 7 to 75 with each contributing their own unique skills to the project.
 
Campsites will be provided for those volunteers who wish to camp for those days they are signed up for the workshop.  Please indicate on the form, by email, or when you call to sign up. 
 
Interested parties should contact the park historical architect, Kimberly Mann (231)326-4771, to sign up for the workshop.  To sign up by email:  [email protected]