Historic Window Rehabilitation Workshop (May 17, 2026)

The Ellsworth Historical Society invites tradespeople, preservation professionals, and homeowners to apply for a free, hands-on Historic Window Rehabilitation Workshop led by Les Fossel of Restoration Resources.

This one-day training offers a rare opportunity to learn traditional techniques for repairing and restoring historic windows—skills that are essential to preserving Maine’s historic buildings.

Workshop Details

  • Date: May 17, 2026

  • Time: 10:00 AM – mid to late afternoon

  • Location: Ellsworth area (shared upon acceptance)

  • Cost: Free

  • Capacity: Limited to 15 participants

 Apply here: https://rb.gy/194vi9

What You’ll Learn

Participants will gain hands-on experience in:

  • Assessing historic window conditions

  • Safe paint removal and surface preparation

  • Sash repair and wood consolidation

  • Reglazing techniques

  • Reassembly and weatherization

The workshop emphasizes practical, preservation-based methods that prioritize repair over replacement.

Who Should Apply

We welcome applications from:

  • Carpenters and contractors

  • Builders and remodelers

  • Building trades professionals

  • Preservation volunteers

  • Homeowners working on historic buildings

Participants will be selected based on their interest in applying these skills and sharing them with others.

Supported by the ReVitalizeME Downtown Grant

This workshop is supported through the ReVitalizeME Downtown grant, funded by the Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grant Program and administered by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

As part of this funding, the Ellsworth Historical Society is implementing a Community Engagement Project to deepen public understanding of the importance of historic preservation. This workshop is a key component of that effort—providing hands-on education, building local skills, and expanding the network of people equipped to care for historic buildings.

Why This Matters

Historic windows are a defining feature of older buildings and are often unnecessarily replaced. This workshop aims to:

  • Build preservation skills among Maine tradespeople

  • Promote best practices in historic rehabilitation

  • Support the long-term stewardship of historic properties

By training more people in window restoration, we help ensure that historic buildings retain their character, craftsmanship, and material integrity.

About the Instructor

Les Fossel is a highly recognized expert in historic window restoration and the founder of Restoration Resources. With decades of experience, he has trained professionals across the country in traditional repair techniques and is known for his clear, hands-on teaching approach.

Additional Information

  • Part of the Ellsworth Historical Society’s Community Engagement Project connected to the rehabilitation of the Old Hancock County Sheriff’s Home and Jail

  • Participants should bring their own tools and lunch

  • Priority may be given to Maine-based tradespeople

Help Spread the Word

Please share this opportunity with colleagues, organizations, and anyone interested in historic preservation.