Pine Mountain School for Practical Historic Preservation, a partnership of Pine Mountain Settlement School in Harlan County and the Kentucky Heritage Council.

This workshop will focus on how to conduct repairs to a square log structure. Instruction will cover preservation techniques and the philosophy behind the selection of particular techniques. During the week, students will have the opportunity to put their new knowledge to use through a hands-on project at Big Log, Pine Mountain's oldest original structure. Big Log was designed by architect Mary Rockwell Hook and built in 1913 as the residence for Katherine Pettit, one of the School's founders. Students may also expect to learn about how to examine a log structure for common preservation issues, how to approach preservation work from a safety viewpoint, including how to safely lift a two-story log building to replace a sill log, and what skills are needed for preservation work.

The hands-on application of preservation techniques will include demonstrations in full and partial log replacement, use of epoxies in repairs, skyward facing check crack, chinking and daubing. The re-establishment of log features will focus on proper handling techniques, reinstallation of materials, and identifying and recovering/replicating character defining features. Students will learn how to lay out and cut typical notches: half-dove tail and saddle notch. Other topics will include proper documentation methods, recordation of activities, material identification and selection, and proper tool selection and usage. Participants will receive a notebook with reference materials on logs and log structure-related subjects.

This workshop is for people of all skill levels. The number of participants is limited to 12. Instructor Moss Rudley is an exhibits specialist with the U.S. National Park Service's Historic Preservation Training Center. He has conducted three log structure repair workshops at Pine Mountain Settlement School. His work experience includes repair and restoration of historic structures throughout the nation's national park system.

Cost of the log workshop is $665.00 (includes tuition, class materials, meals lodging and saftey glasses).

Visitors to Pine Mountain stay in either dormitory or cottage-style housing. Linens are furnished. All buildings are smoke free. No pets, firearms, drugs or alcohol allowed.