PLEASE NOTE:  Until the State of New York officially re-opens, educational programs cannot happen in person.  However, if you would like to schedule a virtual program, please contact me to set up logistics.  
Duration:  1 hour

Description:  Watch the shavings and wood chips fly as you learn how things can be created from a tree with no electricity! This program will show you many of the tools used by early carpenters and joiners and familiarize you with the joints commonly used.

Life Lesson:  Students will learn the value of choosing the right tool for the job and that you really can do good work while being unplugged from electricity!

Interactive Elements:  Students will get to see original 18th and 19th century tools, and handle sample joints and a replica sash (window). 

Want to tailor your historical experience?

The following options can be added or substituted to customize your program.  Plan to add a half-hour to your program for each element added.  Please note there is an added cost of $30 per additional element.  ​
  • Learn how historians use tool marks to figure out which tool was used to create a wooden object.  Can you identify all the different tool marks?  

Book your program today! 

 Duration:  2 hours

Description:  This immersive program allows students to actually use the most commonly used joiner's tool - the hand plane!  (With supervision of course.)  They will work together to learn the basic skill of planing and truing a rough-cut board using only traditional hand planes.    

Life Lesson:  Students will learn the value of patience and respect for tools.   

Interactive Elements:  Students will actually get to use antique tools and participate in hand planing a board.  

​***Please note: This program is geared towards students that are at least ten years old.***

Want to tailor your historical experience?

The following options can be added or substituted to customize your program.  Plan to add a half-hour to your program for each element added.  Please note there is an added cost of $30 per additional element.  ​
  • Hand saw techniques and difference between a rip and crosscut saw
  • How create a mortise (square hole) with a chisel
  • Sharpening and tuning a plane
  • Carving techniques using draw knives and spoke shaves

Book your program today! 

 Duration:  2 hours

​Description:  This immersive program allows participants to actually use some antique joiner's tools such as a saw, mortising gauge, and chisel! They will work create  joints commonly used in eighteenth-century joinery.  ​

Life Lesson:  Learn the value of quality craftsmanship and respect for tools.  ​

​Interactive Elements:  Participants will actually get to use antique tools to create real joints.  Chose between mortise and tenon or the elegant dovetail joint.
​***Please note: This program is geared towards adult participants, and is best done with small groups.***

Want to tailor your historical experience?

The following options can be added or substituted to customize your program.  Plan to add a half-hour to your program for each element added.  Please note there is an added cost of $30 per additional element.  ​
  • Use a traditional molding plane to create decorative trim work
  • Learn about the wide variety of complex planes used in joinery
  • Learn about finishing techniques used in historical furniture

Book your program today! 

Don't see what you want?  Ask me about designing a custom program tailored to your audience!  

​Click here to Contact Me

TAPESTRY OF TIME

Brian McDonald, Historical Interpreter
Depew, NY 14043
tapestryoftime76@gmail.com
585.205.6744

Educational programs are on demand.  Please contact me by phone or e-mail to inquire about a program that is right for you.  
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