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Upcoming Classes
Workshop fee: $100 Lunch is included. Judy Jacob is a Professional Associate of the American Institute for Conservation. She currently works for Please wear old clothes and comfortable shoes and bring a notepad and your favorite tools. If you have a respirator for which you have been fit tested, bring that too.
Workshop fee: $295 This workshop is designed specifically to teach participants to build a kiln using local materials, many of which will be gathered from the grounds of Howard Hall Farm. Using the same techniques that were used in the 1720s right here in the Hudson River Valley, participants will gather the stone from the site, build a kiln, locate the fuel – coal, coke and wood, load the kiln, burn the kiln, dig a hole, fill it with water (from the river), slake the burnt limestone to a putty with water, screen the putty, mix the lime putty with sand and build the stone wall. On Friday, June 13th, workshop participants are invited to join in and build the kiln with John Speweik (of the U.S. Heritage Group). This day is also open to the public, and any who wish to observe or join in are welcome. That evening, we will celebrate the event with a cocktail party open to all workshop participants. On Saturday and Sunday, June 14th and 15th, students will:
Certificates of completion will be distributed at the conclusion of the class. Only students who attended the complete session will be eligible for a certificate of completion.
Workshop fee: $45 Participants will learn:
Workshop fee: Adults $15 , Children, $10 The presentation also includes: SLIDESHOW FROM DENNIS' RECENT PRESENTATION:
Fourth generation tin-smith Dennis Heaphy will be giving hands-on lessons on the terne tin roof. Due to the nature (and location) of this class, the number of students we can accept is limited. Be sure to book your lesson early. Our House at Howard Hall Farm has a Terne Tin roof, so over the years, Reggie has done a lot of research on it. He's been looking for an expert for quite some time now, so when he read an article in the New York Post about THE TIN MAN who is the fourth generation of a line of tinsmiths (dating back to 1892), and Lady Liberty's personal assistant, he couldn't resist getting in touch with him. Dennis Heaphy was here for a week in mid-October. You can read about his time here in the Times Union by clicking here.
An afternoon introduction to various types, construction and uses of barns likely to be found on the area's farms. Join Mirko in our 'open-air museum' for this on-site class. "To an uninformed outsider the story of an old farm is a closed book But to a knowledgeable observer the whole of New York State becomes an open-air museum..."
Workshop fee: $300
A hands-on introduction to mastering the basic glazing skills that become the foundation of many historic techniques. This workshop will help you achieve success with finishes whether you're a professional painter, decorator, a building owner, or overseeing a preservation project. Certificates of completion will be distributed to attendees at the conclusion of the workshop and lunches are provided. This workshop also includes:
New York decorative artists, Moira Kelley and Nora Johnson, are frequent collaborators with complimentary strengths: Both are committed to researching the most environmentally conscious materials possible for their work. SLIDESHOW FROM THEIR RECENT CLASS:
 An excerpt about the HISTORIC PAINTS AND FAUX FINISHES WORKSHOP from one of our participants: "The historic painting workshop was fascinating. I've been enjoying the feeling of being in class... taking notes and looking at slides! I think I've been craving this kind of focus, this kind of subject matter. I've walked away feeling inspired to start so many projects! It's been a few years now since I've had the opportunity to talk exclusively about painting for hours at a time. Athens is an interesting town. Victorian houses and storefronts in rows, with trailers and little salt box houses between. I've lived in towns like this, but they were too sleepy for me. [...] This one is far more alive. [...] I suppose if I lived in the city and had the means, I'd like a Victorian project home on the riverside too. I can appreciate the need for an escape. I spent two lovely nights sitting along the porch on rocking chairs admiring the stars. I was impressed by the level of detail they've incorporated into their living spaces. There was a fabulous walnut sofa upholstered in silhouettes of trees. I'll be damned! I left my camera battery charger at home! I am kicking myself over this... There were some beautiful scenes I should have documented...
We visited Olana, the home of Hudson River School painter Frederic Church. He designed the home with inspiration from his trips to Arabia and the Orient. The mansion is perched at the apex of a mountain, looking over the Hudson River. A breathtaking view can be taken in on the rear porches. One of the presenters at the workshop had recently completed the restoration of the original stencils found throughout the house. It's an opulent space. In some cases, Church imitated the Arabian theme with innovation... Placing a meticulously made paper cut-out, in the style of a Morrocan screen, between two panes of glass, to simulate the effect. All wall colors were original, in palettes of ochre, red, purple. I have returned home with some ideas! The presenting artists were all lovely people, with great command over their medium. I learned a great deal about paints and varnishes. When I experience something as I did this weekend, I come away with questions about my own path as a painter. The lectures were given in the context of restoration, which is something I was once very interested in pursuing as a career. But I feel fairly certain I will not end up doing this. It is more useful to me as a way of bringing contemporary subject matter into a traditional medium. For instance, I think it would be great to do narrative murals in historic style, or giving the illusion of being "old." There are also possibilities for creating objects that simulate aged wood. I shall practice on my apartment!! Perhaps I will begin with a stencil border on my plank living room floor? [...] I feel relaxed, as if I have been away for a week. It was the best escape I've had all summer..."
Workshop fee: $300 CLICK HERE TO REGISTER (PayPal), Or: CURRICULUM:
In two days attendees will learn the basics of ornamental replication. This will include:
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TRADITIONAL GRAINING WORKSHOP: FAUX BOIS PART OF THE HISTORIC PAINTS AND FAUX FINISHES WORKSHOP SERIES CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS |
T.B.A. AUGUST 2008 |
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Workshop fee: $300
Toby Nuttal is one of New York's most prestigious decorative painters. For twenty years he has worked with a celebrated list of clientele, including Gianni Versace, Union Square Café and other restaurants belonging to Danny Meyer , Time Warner Inc, and many high profile private clients. Toby studied at London's School of African and Asian Studies; traveled in India and Sri lanka before concluding he would need a more practical skill than an ability to speak Urdu. He took a City and Guilds course in the traditional skill of wood graining, (he was one of only three students who elected to take the course), and has never looked back. Toby's faux bois is surreal; making the real thing look positively wooden.
SLIDESHOW FROM A RECENT CLASS IN THE HISTORIC PAINTS AND FAUX FINISHES SERIES::
An excerpt about the HISTORIC PAINTS AND FAUX FINISHES WORKSHOP from one of our participants:
"The historic painting workshop was fascinating. I've been enjoying the feeling of being in class... taking notes and looking at slides! I think I've been craving this kind of focus, this kind of subject matter. I've walked away feeling inspired to start so many projects! It's been a few years now since I've had the opportunity to talk exclusively about painting for hours at a time.
Athens is an interesting town. Victorian houses and storefronts in rows, with trailers and little salt box houses between. I've lived in towns like this, but they were too sleepy for me. [...] This one is far more alive. [...] I suppose if I lived in the city and had the means, I'd like a Victorian project home on the riverside too. I can appreciate the need for an escape.
We visited Olana, the home of Hudson River School painter Frederic Church. He designed the home with inspiration from his trips to Arabia and the Orient. The mansion is perched at the apex of a mountain, looking over the Hudson River. A breathtaking view can be taken in on the rear porches. One of the presenters at the workshop had recently completed the restoration of the original stencils found throughout the house. It's an opulent space. In some cases, Church imitated the Arabian theme with innovation... Placing a meticulously made paper cut-out, in the style of a Morrocan screen, between two panes of glass, to simulate the effect. All wall colors were original, in palettes of ochre, red, purple. I have returned home with some ideas!
The presenting artists were all lovely people, with great command over their medium. I learned a great deal about paints and varnishes. When I experience something as I did this weekend, I come away with questions about my own path as a painter. The lectures were given in the context of restoration, which is something I was once very interested in pursuing as a career. But I feel fairly certain I will not end up doing this. It is more useful to me as a way of bringing contemporary subject matter into a traditional medium. For instance, I think it would be great to do narrative murals in historic style, or giving the illusion of being "old." There are also possibilities for creating objects that simulate aged wood. I shall practice on my apartment!! Perhaps I will begin with a stencil border on my plank living room floor?
[...] I feel relaxed, as if I have been away for a week. It was the best escape I've had all summer..."
HARVEST FEAST: HISTORIC HEARTH COOKING WORKSHOP with Mercy Ingraham, An Open Hearth Cook To be followed by a book signing and 'hearthy' meal. CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS |
SEPT. 13 10AM-3PM 2008 |
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Workshop Fee: $150
Mercy Ingraham "is a hearth cook, the culinary equivalent of one of those Revolutionary War re-enactors, and it is her conviction that the invention of the stove, while it's sure saved wood, has not been without its drawbacks."....On March 15th, Mercy invites you to join her over an open hearth, as she kindles memories from the first days of our 1780's Federal manor, and teaches this very special cooking class on preparing historic food atop the windy hill at Howard Hall Farm. The class will be followed by a signing of her new book, which will be available to purchase after the class. Lunch and dinner are included!
· We shall prepare an assortment of dishes, and then consume them. While we are cooking over the fire, there will be lots of time to talk about the principles of cooking, and the techniques that were used by fire-cooks in the past."
· We will create an historic, harvest-focused meal on the open hearth, with locally inspired and historically appropriate produce., and all food will match the era of the house.
In addition to eating the lesson, each student will take home copies of the recipes and a bibliography of great books for further study.
OUR BLOG POST ABOUT MERCY'S RECENT DELECTABLE WORKSHOP:
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HISTORIC HEARTH COOKING WORKSHOP with Mercy Ingraham, An Open Hearth Cook To be followed by a book signing and 'hearthy' meal. CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS |
NOV. 1 10AM-3PM 2008 |
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Workshop Fee: $150
Mercy Ingraham "is a hearth cook, the culinary equivalent of one of those Revolutionary War re-enactors, and it is her conviction that the invention of the stove, while it's sure saved wood, has not been without its drawbacks."....On March 15th, Mercy invites you to join her over an open hearth, as she kindles memories from the first days of our 1780's Federal manor, and teaches this very special cooking class on preparing historic food atop the windy hill at Howard Hall Farm. The class will be followed by a signing of her new book, which will be available to purchase after the class. Lunch and dinner are included!
· We shall prepare an assortment of dishes, and then consume them. While we are cooking over the fire, there will be lots of time to talk about the principles of cooking, and the techniques that were used by fire-cooks in the past."
· November is a good month to do sausage making, as that was a traditional butchering time. All food will match the era of the house.
In addition to eating the lesson, each student will take home copies of the recipes and a bibliography of great books for further study.
OUR BLOG POST ABOUT MERCY'S RECENT DELECTABLE WORKSHOP:
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TRADITIONAL SHEEP SHEARING with Fred DePaul Two sessions: morning, afternoon. Adults and children welcome. |
AUTUMN 10 AM- 1 1:30- 5 2008 |
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Adults/ Children: $7
Pay at the door or pay with PayPal.
There will also be a lamb petting zoo, tours of the historic house, and snacks. To book a field trip for this event, please contact: info@howardhallfarm.com or call 518-945-1253
Fred DePaul, a notable sheep farmer, who hails from Vermont will come to Howard Hall Farm to demonstrate shearing on our flock of Shetland Sheep using techniques from three separate centuries. His presentation will include wooly tales, and an antique hand-crank machine. This presentation is suitable for children and adults who are interested in observing or learning the traditional art of sheep shearing. There will also be a lamb petting zoo, tours of the historic house, and snacks.
Fred is the farm manager of The Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site in Plymouth, Vermont, and has given demonstrations at numerous historic sites and schools, including Clermont, Hancock Shaker Village, and the Tappantown Historical Society.
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About Shetland Sheep:
The Shetland experienced near extinction when the industrial revolution and synthetic fibers decreased the need for all wools, and especially the colored wools. The decline in the need for fine "natural" wools resulted in a drastic fall-off in the Shetland's numbers. In Great Britain, several conservancies were established to help in the Shetland Sheep's recovery.
In 1980, Colonel Dailley of Canada joined in the effort to save this breed. He introduced the first flock of Shetlands into North America.
A page from local sheep shearing history:
"In 1810 I attended his famous sheep-shearing, which attracted much attention, and acquired subsequently great newspaper notoriety…the large company was entertained with the most elegant and sumptuous hospitality. At a public sale on this occasion, sheep were bought with great avidity, at prices varying from fifty to one thousand dollars…there was an animated competition, and there were some earnest disputes for securing the purchase of select animals…Dr. Mitchell produced a brilliant description of the festival, and always classical and erudite, gave as a toast, “the modern Argonautic expedition, whereby our Jason [the Chancellor] has enriched his country with the invaluable treasure of the golden fleece.""
-Elkanah Watson, 19th Century
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INTRO TO ORGANIC BEEKEEPING: PLANNING A NEW HIVE FOR SPRING with Grai St. Clair Rice and Chris Harp, Beekeeper/ Bee Doctor CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS |
WINTER 2008 |
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Workshop Fee: TBA
INTRO TO ORGANIC BEEKEEPING: PLANNING A NEW HIVE FOR SPRING
Learn about the basic requirements and responsibilities for first-time beekeepers. Understand the mechanics of a hive, the tools involved, elements of site selection, and an understanding of a naturalist approach to their needs. This is a hands-on workshop, which includes assembling a wooden hive.
This is an off-site workshop hosted by Howard Hall Farm.
"Nature is to be found in her etirety nowhere more than in her smallest creatures."
-Pliny the Elder, Beekeeper, circa 100 B.C.
From their website (HoneybeeLives):
Honeybees are amazing, gentle creatures. They live in colonies which function as a single organism, each Honeybee working for the good of the whole. They nurture the beauty and fecundity of the earth with their gift of pollination, and through that pollination mankind gains strength, and nature diversity. Honeybees are also in dangerous decline, and we all need to take notice.
Modern society, with its suburban sprawl, genetically modified vegetation, and insecticides, as well as a plague of varroa mites, threatens the health of the Honeybee, and in turn our own survival on this planet. Backyard beekeepers, with a conscience towards respecting the needs of the Honeybee, can effect positive change in this balance. Farmers and the general public can also have a positive impact through simple choices about when to spray or mow, as well as planting trees and flowers that provide valuable food for both domestic and feral bees.
HoneybeeLives is working to strengthen the Honeybee population, and heighten the awareness of their incredibly valuable role in the earth’s health. HoneybeeLives teaches classes for adults and children throughout the year, organizes potluck dinners for beekeepers to exchange experiences and build a beekeeping network, and offers apiary services in the Hudson Valley.
HoneybeeLives takes a natural, organic approach to beekeeping. We encourage beekeeping that respects the instincts of the Honeybees and a gentle approach in their care. Beekeeping is not as simple as it once was, but the rewards are many. We can all learn from contemplating their cooperation, and nurturing their wellbeing.
A gift of Honeybees is a gift of Life.
Chris Harp & Grai Rice
New Paltz, NY
Hudson Valley
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PRIVATE LESSONS: REPOINTING AND REBUILDING STONE CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS |
2008 |
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This hands-on training is available to a limited number of students by appointment only.
For more information, contact: howardhall.farm@gmail.com
or: 518-945-1253
We are pleased to offer tours to anyone interested in historic sites and green restoration.
To schedule an appointment, please call Reggie Young: 518-945-1253
Howard Hall Farm is both an historic restoration project and a vehicle for educating people in sustainable, environmentally conscious restoration techniques. The site of our learning laboratory is a 1780’s stone manor in the heart of the Hudson River Valley. This Federal-style home presents a number of restoration challenges specific to this region of the country. We invite you to join us in our effort to RESTORE GREEN.
INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES We're inviting anyone interested in a week-long restoration or research internship to click on this article's title and read on! We're offering a number of different internships between now and November. We have positions ideal for students (of restoration, historic structures, writing, history, library studies, construction, architecture, antiquarian processes, artisans, etc.) as well as places for people who have their own historic home (or someone else's to work on), and would like a chance to get a feel for our environmentally friendly restoration techniques, and apply them to their own structures! Glean some of the benefits of taking our workshops at off-peak times working as an intern, and have a chance to meet all the interesting characters lurking about this old pile of beams.
The following internships are available at the Howard Hall Farm Restoration Project:
All of the internships take place on the site of a 220-year-old Federal style home in Athens NY, which serves as a classroom and laboratory. The site offers a unique environment for hands-on learning and offers specific restoration challenges that are distinctive to this region.
REPOINTING AND REBUILDING STONE AND BRICK INTERNSHIP: (Students will learn and practice techniques passed down for centuries using historic lime mortar as in days of yore) Duration: one week Accepting 3 Interns
Interns will engage in hands-on repointing and stone rebuilding work using traditional methods of approach for masonry restoration. They will learn directly from Reggie Young, the founder of our historic restoration/green technology project, who studied brick and stone pointing with John Speweik of the U.S. Heritage Group of Chicago. No experience is necessary. This internship is designed to give participants a taste of this ancient process and is ideally suited for anyone interested in getting their hands dirty and learning a bit about the history of these ancient techniques.
When applicable, we will work with your school to make sure you can receive class credit for your studies here.
HISTORIC LIME PLASTER INTERNSHIP: Duration: one week Accepting 3 Interns
Students will learn the benefits and processes involved in using historic lime plaster instead of more modern techniques. By using these ancient, environmentally friendly materials, structures are actually given "room to breathe", and can last much longer than buildings treated with more contemporary methods. Students will be trained by our plaster expert, Sean (also trained in the line of John Speweik's internationally renowned processes) to learn the multifaceted uses of this visually luscious material. No experience is necessary. This internship is designed to give participants a taste of this ancient process and is ideally suited for anyone interested in getting their hands dirty and learning a bit about the history of these ancient techniques.
When applicable, we will work with your school to make sure you can receive class credit for your studies here.
For more information, or to apply for an internship,
call 518-945-1253 or email: howardhall.farm@gmail.com
Just send your name and few words letting HHF know which internship interests you, and why, and your contact information.
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CONTACT
HOWARD HALL FARM
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CLASSES
HISTORIC HEARTH COOKING WORKSHOPS
FAUX MARBLE AND FAUX BOIS HISTORIC PAINT WORKSHOP
PLASTER ORNAMENT REPAIR WORKSHOP
THE MAKING OF THE STATUE OF LIBERTY (KIDS)
INTRODUCTION TO HISTORIC PAINTS AND FAUX FINISHES
PAINT TECHNOLOGY AND THE SCIENCE OF REMOVAL
KILN BUILDING AND LIME SLAKING WORKSHOP
LIME WASHES AND FINISHES TRAINING WORKSHOP
INTERNSHIPS AT HOWARD HALL FARM
CLICK THESE LINKS TO VIEW WEBSITES CONNECTED TO OUR TEACHERS:
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Copyright © 2008 Howard Hall Farm
info@howardhallfarm.com