This wide-ranging program from the Providence Preservation Society provides people with training that can lead to employment opportunities as well as DIY skills for homeowners and renters. What could be better: architectural preservation, jobs, and windows that work! The Building Works Programs support two goals.
First, we want to support the work being done by homeowners, renters, and community stewards — the work that happens at night and on weekends. Do you need a good electrician who knows their way around old wiring? Do you want to get comfortable with power tools or swap tips and tricks with other DIY-types? Do you need some convincing that a historic house is worth the effort? PPS is here to help.
And second, we’re addressing the critical labor shortage in the preservation trades. We train those who’ve never worked in the trades before in the basics and upskill construction industry veterans in the specialized trades needed to maintain and adapt our historic buildings — and then we help them find meaningful work across the state. Keeping these skills in Rhode Island is a win-win.
Coming up on Saturday, September 30, is Repairing Plaster Walls and Ceilings to be held at the historic Esek Hopkins House.
This workshop is a great opportunity to evaluate your plaster issues and determine what remediation is needed, then practice on your own at the Esek Hopkins House. From securing loose plaster to patching holes or even rebuilding a whole section of a wall, you’ll be guided by Noel Sanchez, a restoration builder of 30+ years as he demonstrates and help you practice this skill. Go home with more knowledge of how to fix your own plaster issues. Best for advanced beginners or mid-level DIYers.
Sliding scale fee structure. From the PPS, “If the cost of this workshop is prohibitive, let us know. We’ve reserved several spots for folks on a pay-as-you-can basis courtesy of Bank RI.”
Plastering, September 30 & October 1, Esek Hopkins House, 97 Admiral Street, (directions)