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PLO_Chippendal Game Table_GT101.0.1.1-2_0.8_300DPI_LRE_FNL_SO17363-45_result.pdf
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Welcome to SAPFM

Welcome to the Society of American Period Furniture Makers

Dedicated to craftsmanship and fine furniture making education for over 20 years.

National Conferences

National Conferences

Our two annual conferences are are packed with instructional sessions, visits to historic sites, and social time.

Local Chapters

Local Chapters

As the backbone of SAPFM, these smaller groups offer hands-on training and networking with fellow furniture makers.

Publications

SAPFM Publications

An annual printed journal and a quarterly e-magazine—both featuring news, events, history, and techniques.

Online Resources

Online Resources

Containing articles covering furniture making, techniques, research papers, tool and book reviews, and curated lists.

Cartouche Award

Cartouche Award

Awarded annually to an individual whose craftsmanship and achievements best reflect SAPFM's mission.

Community Forum

Community Forum

Exchange ideas with other makers -- Topics include tools and techniques, events, research access, and conservation.

Member Gallery

Member Gallery

A showcase for members' museum reproductions and original period furniture projects.

Join SAPFM

Join SAPFM

SAPFM gives you the tools and community outreach to achieve your period furniture-making goals.

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17 Art Deco Chair 100x95Visit the Phil Lowe Library where you can download scans of furniture pieces built by him.

Library
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13 USA MapSAPFM chapters connect local furniture builders throughout the US.

Find A Chapter
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sign upJoin for the education. Stay for the camaraderie.

Join Today
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hand shakeA list of sponsors who support SAPFM.  Please support them with your business.

Sponsors

Our Story

Furniture Making is in Our Blood

For more than 20 years, The Society of American Period Furniture Makers has been committed to providing our members with the best in fine furniture making education. We provide this service through our symposiums, publications, chapter meetings, and on-line resources.

We are a niche interest in the overall makers movement ...

Our Mission is:

☑ To create a forum for the understanding, education, and appreciation of American period furniture.

☑ To develop and encourage the use of standards and ethical practices in the reproduction and conservation of period furniture.

☑ To offer membership to all with an interest in period furniture.

☑ To assist members with the identification and location of resources including people or organizations having specialized expertise.

☑ To conduct public exhibitions for the recognition of members’ work.

What is American Period Furniture?

Though a relatively young nation, America has enjoyed a rich array of furniture period styles. Some have been been heavily influenced by Europe and Asia, while others are uniquely American. Join us for a walk through furniture history from pilgrim times to the present.

Membership Has its Benefits

Members enjoy many benefits. Some of these include our annual printed "American Period Furniture" journal and our quarterly electronic "Pins and Tales" magazine. You will have full access to our online resources including articles, curated lists, downloads, and more. There are 2 national events every year and access to any meeting hosted by local chapters throughout the country.

American Period Furniture Journal

Published annually by the SAPFM, contributors include members and guest authors. It is the only trade publication devoted exclusively to the interests of period furniture makers. Contents include how-to articles, biographies of important cabinetmakers, analyses of important pieces, and articles dealing with historical topics in period furniture making. Just as SAPFM is a unique organization, our journal is a unique publication.
Upcoming SAPFM Events
Many of our events are open to guests. Attending a local chapter meeting is a great way to learn more about SAPFM.
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The next Great Lakes Chapter meeting has been set, Saturday, November 16, 2024 at the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute in Adrian, Michigan. This SAPFM meeting is open to all SAPFM dues paying...
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The next Blue Ridge Chapter meeting is being moved from Fredericksburg to Orange, Virginia. We will visit a museum and incredibly furnished historic home, Bloomsbury, that I believe we have never...
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Dear Fellow Woodworkers and SAPFM Members, We are having a Fall Meeting this year at Palomar College. We are in the process of putting our program together and hope to get the details out in the...
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The Tidewater Chapter will hold its next meeting with a tour of the Newbold-White House in Hertford, NC.
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The Gateway Chapter will be having an in-person meeting in the St. Louis area.
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The Ohio River Valley Chapter will meet on Saturday and Sunday, Oct 26th and 27th, at the Columbus Woodcraft.
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Save the date! The next meeting will be October 19, 2023 in Bartow at Jim Hamer's Shop (address will be shared as members register). Doors open at 8:00 am and the program starts at 9:00 am. Please...
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Delaware Valley Chapter will be meeting at the Goggle Works Art Center in Reading PA on Saturday 19 October 2024. Please save the date; additional details are forthecoming.
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The Peach State Chapter plans to meet on 18-19 October. Please save the date; additional details are forthecoming.
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The SAPFM Unplugged Online Group is open to all SAPFM members in good standing, and meets via Zoom to discuss the traditional tools and methods used to make period furniture.
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After another successful demonstration in 2023, SAPFM has already been invited back to join Hearne Hardwoods for their Open House in 2024. We've participated in this event for 7 years running (2020...
Announcements
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11 May 2024
Each year the SAPFM Cartouche Selection Committee identifies a candidate that exemplifies the qualities of a craftsman that has demonstrated a lifetime excellence in furniture making.
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10 May 2024
The Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA) has opened registration for their fall seminar: "Southern Accents: Slabs, Safes, Seats, and Color"
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16 March 2024
SAPFM is pleased to announce we are once again accepting applications for educational grants. Grants are awarded based on one of three qualifications.
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03 February 2024
The entire SAPFM Board wants to thank all entrants for the 2023 Phil Lowe Makers Challenge. We were fortunate this year to have twenty-nine members willing to take the time and effort to submit...
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26 November 2023
The 2023 edition of SAPFM’s annual journal is now at the printer and delivery to members who were up to date as of October 31, 2023 is expected to begin around the first of December.
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16 October 2023
For 2023, we had 4 openings for the SAPFM Board of Directors due to expiring terms.  The nominating period concluded on October 15th with the same number of candidates (4) as we have openings. ...
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28 September 2023
The Educational Grants committee has announced two awards for 2023. Awards of $2000 each go to Bonnie Hawk of Frederick, Maryland and Wilson Newman of Defiance, Ohio.
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12 March 2023
SAPFM member Bob Baker is featured on Episode 64 of The Highland Woodworker's MOMENT WITH A MASTER.
Phil Low and Scott Severns

Join SAPFM Today

SAPFM is here for you. We are dedicated to fine period furniture craftsmanship. Membership provides an opportunity to meet like-minded furniture makers, share information, and expand appreciation and abilities in making furniture. Collectors, enthusiasts, and academics have an opportunity to learn how furniture was made, how skills were acquired, how materials were used, and construction process and procedures.

Join SAPFM