Park holds Barn Restoration Workshop
From staff reports
The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore will again host a barn restoration workshop June 18-20 at the John Burfiend Barn located on Port Oneida Road, four miles north of Glen Arbor. This year marks the 19th anniversary of the partnership between the Michigan Barn Preservation Network and the National Lakeshore in developing this series of “hands-on” workshops. The park and the Michigan Barn Preservation Network are providing skilled labor to put on this workshop.
The workshop will address “Barn Floor, Siding, Post, Ramp, Window and Door Repair and Construction.” 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 post placement and repair, 2) repair of floors and walkways, 3) wood ramp installation, 4) large and pedestrian door repair, construction and installation, 5) wood window repair, 6) exterior siding repair and installation, and 8) 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 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 they attend.
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 interested public how to do restoration work on timber and frame structures. Past workshop attendees have ranged in age from 7 to 70 with each contributing their own unique skills to the project.
Interested parties should contact the park Historical Architect, Kimberly Mann, at (231) 326-4771, or by email at kimberly_mann@nps.gov, to sign up for the workshop. Campsites may be arranged for you at the D.H. Day Campground near Glen Haven, as needed.
