Woodwright's Apprentice Workshop in Canterbury, NH
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for participants with basic mobility; no special fitness required but stamina for standing and light manual work is helpful.
Overview
Discover the joy of woodworking with your family at Canterbury Shaker Village. Learn about trees, hand tools, and craft a unique glue-free stool in this hands-on workshop led by expert Dick Bennet.
Woodwright's Apprentice
Saturday, July 26, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
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About This Adventure
Join this engaging workshop for parents and children to explore the world of woodworking! Learn to identify trees, understand lumber properties, and safely use hand tools. Finish by crafting a unique stool without glue or metal fasteners, creating a memorable keepsake to take home. Led by experienced instructor Dick Bennet.
This workshop, great for a parent (or grandparent) and child, begins with learning to identify the trees commonly used by woodwrights; discusses how those trees were turned into lumber; examines the properties of different species of wood and the safe use of some basic hand tools. The workshop concludes with each team assembling and finishing a stool (which they get to take home) using no glue or metal fasteners!
Instructor Dick Bennet was draw to Canterbury Shaker Village in 2004 by his lifelong interest in woodworking. He has served as a Museum interpreter, Shaker craft demonstrator, and workshop leader.
Adventure Tips
Wear Closed-Toe Shoes
Protect your feet while working with hand tools and wood shavings by wearing sturdy closed-toe shoes.
Arrive Early to Explore
Give yourself time before the workshop to explore Canterbury Shaker Village’s historic grounds and buildings.
Follow Safety Guidelines
Pay close attention to safety instructions when using hand tools to ensure a fun and accident-free experience.
Bring a Water Bottle
Stay hydrated during the workshop, especially during warmer months or if participating with children.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- White-tailed deer often graze near the village edges.
- Eastern chipmunks can be spotted scurrying around the woodland floor.
History
Canterbury Shaker Village preserves the heritage of the Shaker religious community known for their craftsmanship and simple living dating back to the early 1800s.
Conservation
The village promoting sustainable woodworking practices encourages participants to respect natural materials and use traditional joinery without synthetic adhesives or metals.
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Adventure Hotspots in Concord, NH
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Closed-Toe Shoes
Necessary for foot protection during woodworking activities.
Layered Clothing
Allows comfort with changing temperatures during the spring workshop.
spring specific
Insect Repellent
Helpful to avoid mosquito bites when working outdoors in warm months.
summer specific
Reusable Water Bottle
Keeps you hydrated throughout the workshop.