For those eager to get hands-on experience, a dynamic schedule of classes led by skilled craft professionals will be available throughout the summer in the Edward John Noble Historic Stone Building. Explore the Boatyard class listed below. Please note that all classes, except for the Birdhouse Building for Children, are designed for individuals aged 16 and older.
*Tuition pricing does not include a 6% registration fee charged by FareHarbor.
Staining and Brightwork
Learn the fundamentals of staining and varnishing a wooden boat in this hands-on workshop. Working from an existing finish, participants will explore common problem areas such as blistering, bare wood, ragged seams, splits, and gouges. You will learn how to repair or minimize these imperfections before varnishing, as well as how to match stain on new repairs to existing woodwork.
The class will also cover the different types of stains and varnishes, along with their characteristics, as well as the use of thinners, additives, rollers, and brushes. Techniques for proper application will be demonstrated, and common challenges will be discussed along with practical tips and tricks of the trade. Questions are encouraged.
All tools are included!
Date: October 3 – 4, 2026
Time: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Instructor: Kathy Muller
Cost: $75 members | $100 non-members
Book online now!Kathy Muller has over 30 years of experience restoring antique boats and is co-owner of Muller Boatworks, a shop located in Sunapee, New Hampshire, specializing in the restoration of antique runabouts and race boats. She has been a longtime participant and judge at Museum and Antique and Classic Boat Society shows and regattas, a speaker at restoration symposiums, and has written numerous articles on antique boats. Kathy received a BA from the University of New Hampshire, has worked for several non-profit visual and performing arts organizations, and has served on the Board of the Lake Sunapee Protective Association. She and her husband Bo, have a substantial collection of speedboats and rowing craft.
Craft Your Own Cutting or Charcuterie Board
Learn basic woodworking skills with Master Boatwright Adam Stanisz as you create your own custom cutting or charcuterie board in this three-day class. Designed as an introduction to the wood shop, the course will familiarize participants with basic shop safety, lumber identification, and wood properties before moving into the safe operation of essential woodworking tools.
Throughout the class, participants will gain hands-on experience using tools such as the table saw, router, band saw, thickness planer, miter saw, and more. By the end of the second day, boards should be glued up and ready for final milling and shaping on the last day. The class will conclude with guidance on proper care and maintenance so your finished board can be enjoyed for years to come.
Each participant will:
- Create their own cutting or charcuterie board
- Learn to safely use basic woodworking power tools, including the table saw, router, band saw, thickness planer, miter saw, and more
- Learn how to care for and maintain a food-safe board
- Take home a sample of handmade oil for cleaning and conditioning
Date: June 12 – 14, 2026
Time: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Instructor: Adam Stanisz
Cost: $100 members | $90 non-members
Bird House Building for Families
ABM is teaming up with Save The River for a special hands-on class focused on helping our feathered friends! Bring the whole family and join us in learning about terns and other migratory birds that travel along the Atlantic Flyway. Save The River’s educator will guide participants through the fascinating world of these birds, while kids and parents work together to build wooden birdhouses designed specifically for terns and similar species.
Date: July 11
Time: 10 am – 2 pm
Instructor: ABM and Save the River
Cost: $36 per family for members | $40 per family for non-members
Book online now!
This workshop offers a unique opportunity to introduce children to basic woodworking skills in a real shop setting, all while supporting local conservation efforts. A mid-class snack break will keep everyone fueled for fun.
Tern houses built during the session will be installed by Save The River in local habitats, while other birdhouses will go home with families to hang in their own yards, helping to support migratory birds throughout the region.
Paddle Making
Students attend two days of carving a traditional style canoe paddle that will be ready to take home for finishing. To make sure you can complete the paddle, blanks will have the profile precut. John will consult with students before class and provide a pre-sawn blank to match your height and paddling style. Work will be with hand tools. Carving a paddle requires some endurance and determination, woodworking experience is helpful, but not necessary. During class, learn about traditional canoe paddle design and how to choose the best wood. Shape and smooth your paddle with hand tools such as a spokeshave and rasp. Sand your paddle and learn about choosing a finish, how to apply it, and how to maintain the surface.
This class is recommended for people aged 14+; under 16 must be accompanied by a guardian. To maximize time, please bring a bag lunch, snacks, and your choice of beverage.
Participants are welcome to bring food, drinks, and snacks for the day. Museum admission is included in the workshop fee. Please note that paddle completion takes about 8 hours. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
All materials and tools will be provided. Participants may bring their own tools if preferred.
Registered participants will check in at the Admissions Desk at 8:30 AM and will be directed to where to meet for the class.
Date: May 15 – 17
Time: 8 am – 5 pm
Instructor: John Homer
Cost: $292 members | $325 non-members
Book online now!John Homer – is a boatbuilder and the previous owner and operator of Adirondack Rowboats Paddle & Oar from North Creek, NY. He is a native of Ohio and currently resides in Dexter, NY.
Ultimately, John attributes his passion to small craft, its history, its builders, and what the boats bring to people by means of oar and paddle through the lakes, rivers, and streams in various locations of New York state.
John considers boat building a relaxing and rewarding process that encompasses everything he enjoys so much, creating something from nature, where form follows function. As well as operating his own shop for seven years, John has also worked with institutions such as Hornbeck Boats, Tumblehome Boat Shop, Garwood Custom Boats, and the Adirondack Experience in Blue Mountain Lake, NY, as the Resident Boat Builder. He is also a self-taught foundryman, which has enabled him to sand cast designs of traditional hardware for small wooden boats.
Canvas Boat Bucket/Ditty Bag Making
Join us for two relaxing and hands-on evenings in the historic Stone Building as you craft your own canvas boat bucket or traditional ditty bag. These durable, handcrafted items are as functional as they are stylish—perfect for holding tools, coiling lines, or even chilling a bottle of champagne. Made from heavy-duty canvas, they’re designed to be gentle on varnished surfaces and easily stow away flat when not in use. Whether you’re an avid boater or simply love nautical crafts, this workshop offers a rewarding experience and a timeless piece to take home.
Date: August 11 & 13, 2026
Time: 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Instructor: Molly Voth
Cost: $45 members | $50 non-members
Book online now!Bronze Casting
Join master craftsman Michael Saari at the Antique Boat Museum for an immersive, hands-on workshop in bronze casting for marine hardware. Whether you’re a boat enthusiast, a metalworking hobbyist, or simply curious about traditional craftsmanship, this class offers a unique opportunity to learn time-honored techniques in a working boatyard setting.
Throughout the class, you’ll explore the full bronze casting process—from basic patternmaking and sand molding to pouring molten bronze and finishing your castings. Michael will also demonstrate how to build an affordable furnace and introduce the essential tools and materials needed for home sand casting. You’ll learn about core making for hollow forms, important safety practices, and where to find reliable resources and supplies.
Each participant will:
- Create their own wooden pattern
- Use a sand mold for casting
- Pour bronze safely under guidance
- Clean and finish their final castings
Typical projects include cleats, row locks, hooks, chocks, fair leads, small hand tools, and more. Students are encouraged to bring items they’d like to replicate, favorite hand tools, and wear appropriate shop clothing. Most participants will leave with 3–4 completed bronze pieces.
Dates: September 26 – September 30
Times: 8 am – 4 pm
Instructor: Michael Saari
Cost: $450 members | $500 non-members
Book online now!Michael Saari is a master metalsmith with over 40 years of experience in forging, fabricating, and casting metals for both functional hardware and fine art sculpture. His deep knowledge and craftsmanship have made him a sought-after expert in traditional metalworking, particularly in maritime contexts.
Michael served as the lead shipsmith during the restoration of Mystic Seaport’s historic whaleship, the Charles W. Morgan, and was selected to crew on her 38th voyage along the New England coast in 2014. His maritime experience also includes time aboard the USCG Barque Eagle, sailing from New London, CT to Jacksonville, FL as part of the winter crew.
He holds a Master of Fine Arts degree, with studies completed both in the U.S. and abroad. His diverse body of work includes public commissions such as a 20-foot eyeglass sculpture honoring American Optical and the restoration of historic metalwork for museums and institutions across the country. He has demonstrated traditional metalworking techniques at numerous educational conferences and heritage events.
As an educator, Michael has taught in craft schools across Scandinavia and the U.S., and most recently served as the Blacksmith for the NYC Parks Department. He now balances private commissions with his role as adjunct professor of art at Nichols College in Dudley, MA.
