New England Barns: An Introduction to Their History and Carpentry
Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at 7:00 pm
A Zoom Presentation by Jack A. Sobon, Architect and Master Timber Framer
A Zoom Presentation by Jack A. Sobon, Architect and Master Timber Framer
Register for the Zoom link. Sliding scale admission: $5-$15.
Barn in North Egremont, Massachusetts
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In this illustrated talk, Jack Sobon--timber framer, forensic architect, author, and founder of the Timber Framers Guild of North America--will show the development of New England’s barns from the early small-sized self-sufficient farmstead “English” barns to the larger New England or “Yankee” barns common on more expansive farms of the 19th century.
Jack will describe how the design and layout of these buildings was transformed as farming changed. Along the way, you will learn about square pegs in round holes, riving, scribing, juggling, raising, shaving horses, beef rolls, dove holes, and gin poles. This hour-long presentation will be followed by a Q & A. |
Jack A. Sobon is an architect and builder specializing in timber framed buildings. Since 1980 he has devoted his life to understanding the craft of traditional timber framing. Using only traditional hand tools, he has framed and erected over 60 structures.
As a consultant, Jack deciphers historic structures, including Historic Northampton's Shepherd Barn, prior to the Barn's restoration. He is a founding director of the Timber Framers Guild of North America and of that organization's Traditional Timber Frame Research and Advisory Group. He is the author of 4 books and has taught more than 50 all hand tool workshops.
As a consultant, Jack deciphers historic structures, including Historic Northampton's Shepherd Barn, prior to the Barn's restoration. He is a founding director of the Timber Framers Guild of North America and of that organization's Traditional Timber Frame Research and Advisory Group. He is the author of 4 books and has taught more than 50 all hand tool workshops.