Fundamentals of Historic Timber Framing with Peter Ladd

Sturdy silhouettes of timber frame barns have stood for centuries—testaments to the skill, patience, and ingenuity of early builders. This fall, Sanborn Mills Farm invites you to step into that tradition with a workshop that brings the classic “mortise-and-tenon” construction of pre-industrial New England vividly to life.

Led by master timber framer Peter Ladd, this immersive course introduces the tools, techniques, and artistry behind these enduring structures. Whether you’re new to woodworking, have experience in conventional construction, or simply love historic buildings, you’ll find both inspiration and practical skill in this hands-on class.

Students will work directly with large timbers, using both antique and modern hand tools to create traditional joints—each with its own history and purpose. In the woodshop, the group will design, lay out, cut, and assemble full-scale frame sections, including an authentic “English Tying Joint” and other pegged joinery once common in New England barns and homes. Along the way, Peter will share insights on layout systems, cutting techniques, and the efficiencies that framers of the past relied upon. The experience culminates in a shared “Frame Raising,” celebrating the physical, communal, and personal rewards of the craft.

The workshop also includes tours of both new and historic timber frame buildings at Sanborn Mills Farm, with lively discussions about the history, culture, and variations of the trade. By the end, participants will leave with the skills and confidence to pursue more advanced training, take part in real-world frame raisings, or even design and build their own simple timber frame structures.

Peter’s connection to timber framing began in the very barns of New Hampshire where he grew up. Nearly fifty years ago, he taught himself the craft from scratch, even making his own tools to build the home he still lives in today. Since then, he has designed and built new homes and barns, restored historic structures, and passed on his knowledge to many apprentices. A founding member of the Timber Framer’s Guild and a frequent collaborator with the NH Preservation Alliance, Peter approaches every frame—old or new—as an opportunity to learn and share the enduring joy of the craft.

This workshop is more than an introduction to timber framing—it’s an invitation to step into a living tradition guided by a craftsman who has spent a lifetime at the intersection of history, artistry, and skill.

Fundamentals of Historic Timber Framing

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Sanborn Mills Farm

(603) 435- 7314

info@sanbornmills.org

www.sanbornmills.org

   

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