Courses and Workshops 2010
LCMM is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Lake Champlain. With this mission in mind we have brought you some of the finest instructors offering an incredible range of learning opportunities. Courses in:
Boatbuilding | Photography | Blacksmithing | Field Trips | Maritime Skills
Family Boat Building Weekend
LCMM Staff
Spend a 3-day weekend with family members or friends building, finishing and launching a 12’ Bevin’s Rowing Skiff. This traditional designed boat kit from the Alexandria Seaport Foundation is nailed construction, not stitch and glue. Participants will need to provide some basic tools (a list will be provided). No special carpentry skills needed.
Fri - Sun July 16-18 10:00 - 5:00
Cost $1395 No member discount on this course. Registration deadline: June 21.
Build a Northeaster Dory
Geoff Kerr
The Northeaster dory combines an amazing array of features. This lapstrake constructed boat is 17’ long and weighs 100 pounds so she is easily trailered or car-topped on a full size vehicle. The boat has an 800 pound capacity. She rows singly or double with traditional fixed oars, accepts a sliding seat rig without ruining her other uses, and sports an optional, classic sailing rig that is easily added after the boat is finished. There are no prerequisite skills needed and all tools will be provided. Oars and sailing rig are not included but may be obtained from the kit manufacturer. Students 16 to 80 are welcome; “helpers” are welcome at no extra charge, and may be younger than 16.
July 19 – 24 8:00am to 6:00 pm – possibility of two “late” evenings.
Cost $1895 – No member discount on this course. Registration deadline: June 21.
Champlain Discovery (For Teens)
LCMM Staff
This exciting co-educational program will give ten individuals, age 13–16, the opportunity to build a 17' sea kayak, then launch their newly built boats and embark on a 11-day paddling and camping exploration of Lake Champlain. Students own the kayak they build upon completion of the program.
Building the kayaks.
Boat Building The first three weeks will be a day-program (students are responsible for transportation during this part of the program) held at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum. During this segment students will build their kayaks as well as learn kayaking and wilderness skills. Students also choose, and take part in, a variety of sports and group activities. Lunch and snacks are provided.
Kayaking and Camping This 12-day kayaking adventure will launch from Whitehall, NY and head north on Lake Champlain, to Burlington, VT. Paddling and camping will be interspersed with visits to sites of historical and ecological significance. Champlain Discovery is a challenging program, offering an opportunity for great personal growth. We will be living outdoors for the 11-day trip, whatever the weather. We may paddle many miles in a day, with winds that may or may not cooperate. Everyone will share responsibility for cooking, cleaning, personal and group safety. Champlain Discovery strives to create a challenging and supportive environment.
Cost
Full tuition is $2,950, which includes all instruction, kayak materials, food and use of major camping equipment during the kayaking and camping portion of the program. LCMM offers scholarships for qualified students with financial need. Email or Print & Mail the 2010 Application to Nick Patch:
nickp@lcmm.org
LCMM,
4472 Basin Harbor Rd,
Vergennes, VT 05491
Digital Photography
Jim Blair
Learn from the best! Jim Blair, a professional photographer from National Geographic Magazine, will guide students through the basics of digital photography – lighting, composition and the basic functions of the camera. The unique ability of the digital camera allows the student to preview and even print a photo without the delay or cost of developing. This ability is a great instructional aid. Bring your digital camera and don’t miss this unique opportunity! Sign up now. 2-Day class. Size limited.
Sat & Sun Aug 21-22, 9:30 – 4:30
Cost $150
Basic Blacksmithing Workshops
Peter Wells
Open to students with no previous metalworking experience, these workshops cover basic iron working skills including coal forge management, tools and materials of the trade and basic forging techniques. Though the emphasis is on technique, students may expect to complete several projects during the workshop. The two day workshop covers basic skills; the three day workshops adds more detail and time for practice. Limited to 4 students for each class.
2 Day Sat & Sun July 10-11 9:30-4:30
3 Day Fri -Sun Aug 6-8, 9:30-4:30
Cost 2-Day $215 3-Day $285
Introduction to Traditional Door Hardware
Lucian Avery
This 2 day workshop will focus on using traditional forging techniques to make early American styled door hardware. Students have a choice of several designs of thumb latches or strap hinges as their project. This workshop is for students with previous blacksmithing experience. Limited to 4 students.
Saturday & Sunday August 14-15, 9:30-4:30
Cost $215
Basic Blacksmithing for Teens
Robert Wetzel
This 2 day workshop is designed for youths ages 14 – 17. You will learn management of a traditional
blacksmith forge and the techniques of shaping hot iron into useful or decorative items. Expect to complete several projects using basic forming techniques. No previous experience required. Limited to 4 students.
Thurs & Fri July 15-16 10:00-4:00
Cost $160
Blacksmithing Projects for Teens
Peter Wells
This is a 2 day workshop for teens (14 – 17) with previous blacksmithing experience. It will include a review of basic techniques and advice on the design and forging of your own project. Bring your ideas! Limited to 4 students.
Thurs & Fri Aug 12-13 10:00 – 4:00
Cost $160
Advanced Blacksmithing Projects
Brian Anderson
Brian Anderson offers an advanced projects workshop for students with previous blacksmithing experience. Enhance your design and forgery skills. Submit a design concept in advance and work with Brian on developing your idea from concept to finished work. Emphasis will be on traditional joinery and forging skills. Limited to 4 students.
Sat & Sun July 17-18 9:30-4:30
Cost $215
Paddle to Prehistory
Joanne DellaSalla, Matthew Witten
Come paddle back in time and visit an ancient Native American village near the confluence of Dead Creek and Otter Creek – an area that was at one time one of the most prized and active Native American campsites and settlements in all of Vermont. We will canoe a short distance on Otter Creek (known to early European settlers as “The Indian Road”), explore the marshes of Dead Creek, and take out at a spot that shows ample evidence of Native American habitation. Archaeologist Joanne DellaSalla will show and explain chert and quartzite artifacts, and give a stone tool-making demonstration using techniques that date to thousands of years ago. Ecologist Matthew Witten will lead a seine-netting activity in which participants help to catch, handle, examine, and identify the numerous fish species that led Native Americans here.
Same program offered twice:
Sat June 19 10:00 – 3:30 (in conjunction with the Native American Encampment at LCMM and the Otter Creek Celebration)
Sun Sept 19 10:00-3:30
Cost $45/adults $15/age 15 and under
On-Water Ecology Experience
Join us on our beautiful section of Lake Champlain for an exploration of aquatic ecology. Using professional grade science equipment, participants will travel on the open lake to conduct observations and measurements such as collecting and examining plankton samples, catching and identifying fish in a net, and testing water quality. All children must be accompanied by at least one parent/guardian. The museum supplies all necessary equipment including life vests (PFD’s), which are required.
Two sessions to choose from: June 13, August 8
Cost$45/adults $15/age 15 and under
Rope Braiding and Design
Robert Dollar
This course will introduce you to the basic techniques of rope braiding. You will learn to braid an ocean plait designed mat using 1/2” or 3/8” manila rope. You will learn how to stitch and finish the mat. Other designs and techniques will be discussed. Your mat will be ideal for your front entrance or steps.
July 12 10:00- 3:00
Cost $80 plus $50 for materials
Rope Splicing
Robert Dollar
Have you ever wished you could splice eyes into new dock lines, or thimbles onto your mooring line or anchor rode, shackles onto a halyard, or simply splice two lines together? Add this skill to your nautical toolbox! Instruction will be provided in splicing 3 strand line (eye splice, back splice and short splice). You will also be introduced to splicing of double braid lines (polyester and nylon). Core to core and 12 strand splicing will also be demonstrated. Materials will be provided and participants are encouraged to bring their own lines which they may wish to make up.
July 13
Cost $160
Course Registration
You are registered for a class when we receive your registration fee. You can enroll by calling Chris McClain at 802-475-2022, ext 101, between 9:00–4:30, M–F. We accept Master Card, Visa, check or money order.
Setting
Unless otherwise noted, our courses are offered at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum's campus at Basin Harbor. Classroom space is available for slide presentations, lectures and discussions. Bring clothes suitable to your course and the weather. Foul weather gear and sun protection are a necessity for on-water activities. Work clothes are appropriate for shop activities. Parking is available at all sites. Bring a lunch and water bottle each day.
Qualifications
All courses are co-educational and are open to both novices and advanced students. The main requirement is a desire to learn. We keep our courses small so that there is plenty of one-on-one time with instructors. A basic knowledge of hand tools is helpful for boat building courses but is not essential. If you have specific questions about a course, please call Chris McClain at 802-475-2022 or e-mail info@lcmm.org and we would be happy to connect you with the instructor.
Cancellation and Refunds
We consider that you are registered for a course or workshop when we receive your registration deposit. You may enroll by calling us at (802) 475-2022 during regular office hours. A deposit of 50% of the tuition is required upon registration and the balance is due 30 days prior to the start date of the course. If you would like us to automatically bill your MasterCard or Visa for the balance, we can make that arrangement with you. Any additional fee, such as a materials fee, is due before the start of the course.
