Preservation Carpentry

Since moving to their Topsfield, Massachusetts property in 2013, Eric Menzer and his wife had fallen in love with the historic timber frame barn included, constructed sometime in the mid-1800s. But by building standards, it was both terminally ill and dangerous. Time after time, quotes from various contractors for a restoration were more than the Menzers could pay. Sending the barn to its grave seemed like the only option until one contractor suggested NBSS. The Preservation Carpentry program took on the project at an affordable price.

Kyle Bernard PC '16 is the West Coast and Southwest Project Manager at HistoriCorps, a historic preservation organization. After college and service in the Navy, Kyle moved back to Boston and prepared for a legal career. But when he heard actor, comedian, woodworker, and NBSS Board member Nick Offerman describe NBSS at one of his shows, Kyle enrolled in the Preservation Carpentry program shortly after—and never looked back.

NBSS Preservation Carpentry students craft hand-built sheds each fall as part of their first-year curriculum, to practice basic construction techniques. You can own one of this year's sheds – there are two available for purchase now! Find out more details here.

In recent years, there has been an uptick in programs encouraging women to change their perception of the trades. These new and expanded strategies are an effort to help women see what was once a male-dominated industry as a viable career option. We explore the changing landscape of the building trades in this series – while also celebrating some of the talented women who began their careers at NBSS and are making an impact in their fields.

After graduating from NBSS, Tracy Chim Rines PC '09 went on to open her own business, TLC Woodworking. For the past ten years, she has specialized in making and restoring custom storm windows and doors. "I couldn't imagine doing something else with my life right now," Tracy says. "I am happy to go to work, and I look forward to spending time with my coworkers and being in my shop where I feel at ease. I remember when I was afraid to pick up the tools, and now it's just second nature." Meet a tradeswoman featured in our Women in the Building Trades series.

When it came time to restore a stone cottage – originally built by a World War I general – on his property in Westwood, a homeowner turned to our Preservation Carpentry faculty. The project's biggest challenge was restoring the building's over-sized door, which was also missing the key. This opened the door to a collaboration with Locksmithing & Security Technology faculty (and many others) to manufacture a one-of-a-kind key.