classes + events

Join us for hands-on classes in historic trades led by experienced artisans. No prior experience needed for most classes.

Chestnut Hill Architectural Walking Tour
Jul
26

Chestnut Hill Architectural Walking Tour

Instructor: Greg Scott
Cost: $40

Discover the Architectural Treasures of Chestnut Hill!
Join us for a guided walking tour through Lancaster’s historic Chestnut Hill neighborhood, where tree-lined streets showcase an extraordinary collection of preserved 19th- and early 20th-century homes. Along the way, participants will learn to identify key architectural styles and uncover the stories behind the buildings and the extraordinary people who shaped this vibrant community.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a homeowner curious about your neighborhood, or simply someone who enjoys a good walk with rich storytelling, this tour offers a unique opportunity to see Chestnut Hill through new eyes.

No prior knowledge required—just bring your curiosity and comfortable walking shoes. Participants will leave with a deeper appreciation for Lancaster’s architectural heritage and a new way of seeing the character that makes Chestnut Hill so special.

Participants will meet at 2:45PM at West Art to receive headsets before the tour begins. Please order coffee/tea and/or use the restroom beforehand. The tour will depart promptly at 3:00PM.

Ideal for students aged 16+. All ages are welcome.

Financial assistance available, if needed. Please email Info@LancasterWorkshop.com.

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Historic Masonry 101 - Moisture & Structural Issues
Jun
6

Historic Masonry 101 - Moisture & Structural Issues

Instructor: Jon Owens
Cost: $75

Have wet/damp brick walls?
Learn the introductory basics on how to steward your historic structure!
When it comes to maintaining historic masonry, one rule reigns supreme: keep the building dry. This foundational workshop explores the invisible yet powerful role moisture plays in the life and longevity of solid structural masonry buildings. Participants will gain a clear understanding of how water moves through stone, brick, and mortar—and how improper repairs or modern materials can unintentionally trap moisture and accelerate decay.

Through discussion and case studies, we’ll examine why old buildings “breathe,” and how to help them continue doing so for generations to come. Topics include:

  • Moisture Fundamentals: How water travels not only downward but upward through capillary action—and how this natural process affects walls, foundations, and finishes. Identifying sources of moisture—from leaking roofs to poor grading—and employing simple, sustainable fixes that align with the building’s original design.

  • Historic Lime Mortars and Plaster: Understanding the role of earth mortars, lime pointing, and the delicate balance between foundation and soil. Why is it so important to use historic materials on a historic structure.

  • Keeping the Home Healthy: Why a “breathable” home matters and how using historic earth mortars contributes to a clean, eco-friendly home!

As Jon Owens likes to say, “A historic building must have a good hat, good boots, and a raincoat to keep its head, feet, and body dry.” Participants will leave with the knowledge to recognize early warning signs of moisture damage, make informed material choices, and care for historic masonry in a way that honors its structure and story.

Appropriate for students aged 18+. All ages are welcome.

Financial assistance available, if needed. Please email Info@LancasterWorkshop.com.

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Historic Masonry 101 - Moisture & Structural Issues
Mar
14

Historic Masonry 101 - Moisture & Structural Issues

Instructor: Jon Owens
Cost: $75

Have wet/damp brick walls?
Learn the introductory basics on how to steward your historic structure!
When it comes to maintaining historic masonry, one rule reigns supreme: keep the building dry. This foundational workshop explores the invisible yet powerful role moisture plays in the life and longevity of solid structural masonry buildings. Participants will gain a clear understanding of how water moves through stone, brick, and mortar—and how improper repairs or modern materials can unintentionally trap moisture and accelerate decay.

Through discussion and case studies, we’ll examine why old buildings “breathe,” and how to help them continue doing so for generations to come. Topics include:

  • Moisture Fundamentals: How water travels not only downward but upward through capillary action—and how this natural process affects walls, foundations, and finishes. Identifying sources of moisture—from leaking roofs to poor grading—and employing simple, sustainable fixes that align with the building’s original design.

  • Historic Lime Mortars and Plaster: Understanding the role of earth mortars, lime pointing, and the delicate balance between foundation and soil. Why is it so important to use historic materials on a historic structure.

  • Keeping the Home Healthy: Why a “breathable” home matters and how using historic earth mortars contributes to a clean, eco-friendly home!

As Jon Owens likes to say, “A historic building must have a good hat, good boots, and a raincoat to keep its head, feet, and body dry.” Participants will leave with the knowledge to recognize early warning signs of moisture damage, make informed material choices, and care for historic masonry in a way that honors its structure and story.

Appropriate for students aged 18+. All ages are welcome.

Financial assistance available, if needed. Please email Info@LancasterWorkshop.com.

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Community seed swap
Feb
22

Community seed swap

Drop in for a SEED SWAP!

Co-hosted by Northeast Neighbors and Musser Park Neighbors Association 

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Stained Glass 101
Feb
21

Stained Glass 101

Instructor: Bill Boyd
Skill Level: Beginner
Cost: $100

Learn the timeless art of stained-glass! In this hands-on workshop, participants will create a stained-glass panel while learning essential techniques for assessment, safe handling, cleaning, glass cutting, and solder repair. Guided by an experienced stained-glass artisan, students will gain both technical skills and context for this traditional craft in a practical application.

Whether you’re a beginner curious about stained glass, a homeowner looking to preserve historic features, or simply someone who loves working with your hands, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to restore beauty and function to a piece of history.

No prior experience required — all tools and materials are provided. Participants will leave with new skills, a deeper appreciation for stained glass craftsmanship, and the satisfaction of contributing to preservation work.

All materials are included in the tuition. No experience is necessary.

Appropriate for students aged 18+.

Tuition assistance available. If needed, please email Info@LancasterWorkshop.com.

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Historic Masonry 201 - Chemistry of Lime
Jan
31

Historic Masonry 201 - Chemistry of Lime

Level: Intermediate
Instructor: Jon Owens
Cost: $75


Course Description
Lime is at the heart of traditional masonry—and understanding how it works is essential for anyone repairing or preserving historic stone or brick structures. In this intermediate course, students will explore the fundamentals of lime as a building material, including types of lime, curing processes, and the role lime plays in breathability and long-term durability.

Building on concepts from Historic Masonry 101, this class continues on theory-to-practical application. Students will learn how to identify appropriate lime mortars for different historic structures, mix batches to proper ratios, and learn the concept of small test patches using traditional tools and techniques. The session also covers common mistakes in repointing, how Portland cement impacts older buildings, and how lime mortar supports long-term preservation.

Students will learn:

  • The Basics of Mortars in Historic Structures

  • Differences between hydraulic and non-hydraulic lime

  • How to assess existing mortar and choose appropriate replacements

  • Proper mixing techniques and ratio adjustments

  • Safe handling and storage of lime

Who Should Attend?
Ideal for DIYers, preservation enthusiasts, trades apprentices, and homeowners with historic masonry buildings. Completion of Masonry 101 is required.

Takeaway:
Participants will leave with a deeper knowledge of the types of limes used in historic buildings and how they are used. These points are keys to understanding proper installation which will be covered in the next two classes.

Financial assistance available, if needed. Please email Info@LancasterWorkshop.com.

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Community Open House!
Jan
4

Community Open House!

Drop in for a casual open house!

See the spaces, meet the faces, and learn how to get involved!

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Historic Masonry 101 - Moisture & Structural Issues
Jan
3

Historic Masonry 101 - Moisture & Structural Issues

Instructor: Jon Owens
Cost: $75

Have wet/damp brick walls?
Learn the introductory basics on how to steward your historic structure!
When it comes to maintaining historic masonry, one rule reigns supreme: keep the building dry. This foundational workshop explores the invisible yet powerful role moisture plays in the life and longevity of solid structural masonry buildings. Participants will gain a clear understanding of how water moves through stone, brick, and mortar—and how improper repairs or modern materials can unintentionally trap moisture and accelerate decay.

Through discussion and case studies, we’ll examine why old buildings “breathe,” and how to help them continue doing so for generations to come. Topics include:

  • Moisture Fundamentals: How water travels not only downward but upward through capillary action—and how this natural process affects walls, foundations, and finishes. Identifying sources of moisture—from leaking roofs to poor grading—and employing simple, sustainable fixes that align with the building’s original design.

  • Historic Lime Mortars and Plaster: Understanding the role of earth mortars, lime pointing, and the delicate balance between foundation and soil. Why is it so important to use historic materials on a historic structure.

  • Keeping the Home Healthy: Why a “breathable” home matters and how using historic earth mortars contributes to a clean, eco-friendly home!

As Jon Owens likes to say, “A historic building must have a good hat, good boots, and a raincoat to keep its head, feet, and body dry.” Participants will leave with the knowledge to recognize early warning signs of moisture damage, make informed material choices, and care for historic masonry in a way that honors its structure and story.

Appropriate for students aged 18+. All ages are welcome.

Financial assistance available, if needed. Please email Info@LancasterWorkshop.com.

View Event →
Chestnut Hill Architectural Walking Tour
Oct
26

Chestnut Hill Architectural Walking Tour

Instructor: Gregg Scott
Cost: $40

Discover the Architectural Treasures of Chestnut Hill!
Join us for a guided walking tour through Lancaster’s historic Chestnut Hill neighborhood, where tree-lined streets showcase an extraordinary collection of preserved 19th- and early 20th-century homes. Along the way, participants will learn to identify key architectural styles and uncover the stories behind the buildings and the extraordinary people who shaped this vibrant community.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a homeowner curious about your neighborhood, or simply someone who enjoys a good walk with rich storytelling, this tour offers a unique opportunity to see Chestnut Hill through new eyes.

No prior knowledge required—just bring your curiosity and comfortable walking shoes. Participants will leave with a deeper appreciation for Lancaster’s architectural heritage and a new way of seeing the character that makes Chestnut Hill so special.

Participants will meet at 1:15PM at West Art to receive headsets before the tour begins. Please order coffee/tea and/or use the restroom beforehand. The tour will depart promptly at 1:30PM.

Appropriate for students aged 18+. All ages are welcome.

Financial assistance available, if needed. Please email Info@LancasterWorkshop.com.

View Event →
Stained Glass Repair 101
Oct
25

Stained Glass Repair 101

Instructor: Bill Boyd
Skill Level: Beginner
Cost: $150

Learn the timeless art of stained-glass repair! In this hands-on workshop, participants will work with a vintage stained-glass panel while learning essential techniques for assessment, safe handling, cleaning, glass cutting, and solder repair. Guided by an experienced stained-glass artisan, students will gain both technical skills and context for this traditional craft in a practical application.

Whether you’re a beginner curious about stained glass, a homeowner looking to preserve historic features, or simply someone who loves working with your hands, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to restore beauty and function to a piece of history.

No prior experience required — all tools and materials are provided. Participants will leave with new skills, a deeper appreciation for stained glass craftsmanship, and the satisfaction of contributing to preservation work.

All materials are included in the tuition. No experience is necessary.

Appropriate for students aged 18+.

Tuition assistance available. If needed, please email Info@LancasterWorkshop.com.

View Event →