SAPFM chapters connect local furniture builders throughout the US.
Join for the education. Stay for the camaraderie.
A list of sponsors who support SAPFM. Please support them with your business.
Additional detail will be announced as they become available.
Welcome to the Society of American Period Furniture Makers
Dedicated to craftsmanship and fine furniture making education for over 20 years.
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Visit the Phil Lowe Library where you can download scans of furniture pieces built by him.
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.
The Ohio River Valley Chapter will meet on Saturday and Sunday, April 5th and 6th, at the Columbus Woodcraft.
The next Great Lakes Chapter meeting has been set for March 22, 2025 at the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute in Adrian, Michigan. The agenda will include
SAPFM is a primary sponsor of Colonial Williamsburg's annual conference, "Working Wood in the 18th Century"
The Chesapeake Chapter is pleased to announce our upcoming IN PERSON meeting at Winterthur Museum!
Arrival time at Winterthur: 0830am
Start time of activity: 0900am
It's an all day event that will...
Announcements
SAPFM will hold an election for four representatives on the Board of Directors this year. The election will be held via the website, from October 15 - November 15.
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.
The Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA) has opened registration for their fall seminar: "Southern Accents: Slabs, Safes, Seats, and Color"
SAPFM is pleased to announce we are once again accepting applications for educational grants. Grants are awarded based on one of three qualifications.
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...
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. ...
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.
SAPFM member Bob Baker is featured on Episode 64 of The Highland Woodworker's MOMENT WITH A MASTER.
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.