Cobblestone Museum will host historic masonry workshop on May 17

Provided photo: Heritage mason Brian Daddis repairs a stone wall on a cobblestone building. He will conduct a hands-on historic masonry workshop from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 17 at the Thompson-Kast Visitors Center, across from the Cobblestone Universalist Church.

CHILDS – The Cobblestone Museum has announced a hands-on historic masonry workshop on May 17, featuring heritage mason Brian Daddis.

The workshop will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Thompson-Kast Visitors Center at the corner of Ridge Road and Route 98. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The full day workshop will focus on maintaining a historic masonry structure. Topics will include the importance of using lime mortar when reconditioning historic masonry structures, with a hands-on demonstration involving repointing a stone foundation, repointing brick, extracting and replacing bricks and composite patching of bricks.

“Maintaining historic mortar with quicklime products requires a careful approach to preserve your building’s authenticity and integrity,” said Doug Farley, director of the Cobblestone Museum. “Proper preparation and application are key and avoiding modern additives that could damage the masonry over time. Regular inspections and gentle repairs will help keep the building’s historic charm intact. Brian is a local expert on historic mortar and this class is a must for anyone who wants to maintain their older home.”

Cost for the full day workshop, including lunch, is $90 for Cobblestone Society members and $100 for all others.

Reservations may be made by sending a check payable to Cobblestone Museum, 14389 Ridge Rd. W, P.O. Box 363, Albion, 14411; or calling (585) 589-9013 to charge on a credit card.