Historic Resources Committee

Nigel Copsey will conduct four workshops, two in Nebraska at an historic lime kiln, and two at the historic Lakeside Laboratory in Iowa. These workshops have received primary support from the Nebraska Masonry Alliance, and Mid-Continental Restoration. Additional support is being provided by the Iowa Masonry Institute, the SHPOs of Nebraska and Iowa, the Central Plains Chapter of APT, and the state AIA chapters in Nebraska and Iowa.  

Masonry – Whether brick, stone, terra-cotta, or concrete block–comprises a significant part of historic buildings. Although inherently durable, masonry requires proper care to prevent deterioration. The National Park Service's Preservation Brief #2 describes the benefits of mixing traditional lime mortar. They imply that lesser quality material is acceptable due to scarcity of craftspeople with knowledge to install these mortars. We aim to reduce this scarcity rather than relying on lower quality. 

Each workshop will equip those in architecture, construction, and historic preservation with skills to work with traditional mortars through lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on practice. Day 1 of 2 will focus on understanding history, chemistry, and importance of using historic mortars as opposed to modern materials. On day 2, attendees will gain experience examining joints, identifying sections that need to be re-pointed, preparing joints for repointing, mixing, and applying mortar.

Learning Objectives

1. Understanding the history of traditional mortar, why mortar has changed, and the effect that modern mortar has on historic materials.

2. Understand the value of mortar analysis (both spectral and chemical) for today's structures and how matching materials impacts buildings.

3. Be able to identify and evaluate materials, formulas and techniques to the use of traditional mortar.

4. Demonstrate understanding through participating in second day's hands-on application of repointing at a real-life historic building site.

Nigel is an experience stone carver and stone conservator. He has degrees from the University of York, and furthered his education at Weymouth College, Dorset, and completed post graduate work at Bournemouth University. He is an original associate of Earth Stone and Lime Company & Associates and is currently A Research Associate of the Department of Archaeology, York University. He has been conducting traditional mortar workshops throughout England, much of Europe, and eastern Canada and the US for nearly twenty years. He has presented at the Association for Preservation Technology International's annual conferences. 

Ticket price are $25 off until March 10th and architects can get 8 continuing education credits for attending both days.

Register Here!