Port Townsend School of Woodworking and Preservation Trades

Overview

The Port Townsend School of Woodworking and Preservation Trades is a nonprofit organization located in Port Townsend, Washington. It was formally established in 2008, though the concept of a woodworking school in Port Townsend had been discussed for over 25 years prior[2]. The school is dedicated to inspiring a lifelong passion for craftsmanship through education in woodworking and traditional building trades[5].

History

The idea of a woodworking school in Port Townsend began to take shape when a passionate discussion between Tim Lawson and Jim Tolpin in 2004 led to the realization that Port Townsend was an ideal location for such a school, drawing parallels with Rockport, Maine[2]. In 2007, a series of courses were offered at Fort Worden State Park to test community interest, which proved successful and led to the founding of the school in 2008[2]. The school found its home in a former Powerhouse at Fort Worden, which was renovated with community effort[2].

Programs

The school offers a variety of woodworking programs, including a 12-week Foundations of Woodworking class, which covers traditional techniques using both hand and machine tools. This intensive course prepares students for further vocational training in areas like architectural woodworking and custom door and window construction[3]. Other courses range from hand-tool woodworking, furniture and cabinet making, to specialized topics like Northwest Coast Arts and woodturning[1].

Mission and Governance

As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the school operates under a mission to foster a passion for craftsmanship[5]. It is governed by a board of directors consisting of professionals from various fields related to craftsmanship and education[5].

Impact

The Port Townsend School of Woodworking and Preservation Trades not only provides educational opportunities but also contributes to the local community through preservation projects, often collaborating with state and local organizations[2].