LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Historic Preservation Network (MHPN) and the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute (SBWI) have develped a partnership to revitalize historic preservation trades education in Michigan. The collaborative initiative will offer a series of specialized hands-on workshops, covering essential preservation skills such as historic sash window construction, wood bending techniques, and timber frame engineering.

Funded in part by a grant from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council, the initiative brings together MHPN's extensive preservation advocacy and SBWI’s nationally recognized expertise in woodworking education to meet the growing need for skilled tradespeople proficient in traditional building methods.

"This partnership represents a major step forward for preservation trades," stated Luke Barnett, president of SBWI. "Skilled trades are the backbone of heritage conservation, yet many of these critical skills are at risk of disappearing. By teaming up with MHPN, we are providing accessible, high-quality training opportunities, preparing a new generation of craftspeople to preserve and protect Michigan’s historic architecture."

Upcoming workshops include:

Wood Bending: Bend and Form (Aug. 4-8): Participants will learn multiple wood bending methods such as steam bending and vacuum forming, enabling them to produce historically accurate curved components.

19th-Century Windows & Doors – Construction & Repair (Aug. 11-15): Part of the acclaimed Thoreau's Cabin Series, students will build historically accurate sash windows and doors using traditional joinery and glazing techniques.

Introduction to Timber Frame Engineering (Sept. 19-21): This course combines theory with hands-on practice, focusing on timber frame structures, joint design, and structural testing methods.

"MHPN is proud to partner with SBWI, an institution known for excellence in trade education," said Brenda Rigdon, executive director of MHPN. "Together, we're not just preserving historic buildings—we’re preserving the specialized knowledge that makes such preservation possible."

Courses are open to the public, with registration details available at mhpn.org and sbwi.edu.

Based in Adrian, Michigan, the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute is a leading post-secondary trades college accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and dedicated to advancing careers through the artistry and craftsmanship of woodworking. The school offers: a 40-week diploma program in Wood Design: Furniture Making; week-long intensive courses in a variety of specializations including chair making, carving, timber framing, carpentry; and weekend courses on a variety of projects/topics. SBWI is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, incorporated in 2017.

Founded in 1981 and headquartered in Lansing, Michigan, the Michigan Historic Preservation Network is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to advocating for Michigan's historic resources, fostering sustainable community revitalization, and providing educational programming in preservation.