Big Build 2024
The 2024 Big Build was held on October 19th, 2024
The Washington Woodworkers Guild participated as an exhibitor in this year’s Big Build festival at the National Building Museum. Along with many other trades — from blacksmithing and bricklaying to roofing and plumbing — we provided hands-on activities that teach thousands of visitors about the joys of woodworking. Visitors of all ages had a chance to watch our demonstrations, ask questions, and try their hands at supervised use of hand planes, braces, saws, spokeshaves, and carving tools. Seeing the bright smile from a kid who first makes a shaving having never held a woodworking tool before is priceless.
The Big Build took place on Saturday, October 19, 2024, from 10am to 4pm, in the Museum’s Great Hall. It was an excellent opportunity for us to share our knowledge and skill with kids eager to learn and have fun doing it. But … with up to 4,000 kids expected to attend throughout the day, we needed as many volunteers as possible to make it successful. That means we need you to join us for future Big Builds! Even if you can’t commit to the full day, an hour or two in the morning or afternoon is welcome. You don’t need any special skills, maybe aside from patience, and you won’t need to present or demonstrate unless you want to. Our main function is sharing our interest in woodworking and making sure the event is safe and fun for the kids. Please sign in Members Only for a volunteer slot and note in the comments the time you can commit (e.g., “all day” (10-4), “10am to noon” etc.).
Please contact John Birch (contact info in Members Only) with any questions. If you have hand tools like planes, spokeshaves, hammers, saws, or braces; or work-holding devises like a WorkMate, portable bench, or shavehorse you can bring with you, that would be helpful, but not essential.
Location
National Building Museum
401 F St NW
Washington, DC 20001
October 19, 2024
10:00AM – 4:00PM EDT
