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

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

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Local Chapters

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

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Publications

SAPFM Publications

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

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Online Resources

NEW! Members-Only Video Archive containing chapter meetings, Meet The Maker events, and our SAPFM Unplugged! Online Group.
Also containing articles covering furniture making, techniques, research papers, tool and book reviews, and curated lists.

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Cartouche Award

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

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Community Forum

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

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Member Gallery

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

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Join SAPFM

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

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Phil Lowe Digital Library

17 Art Deco Chair 100x95 Visit the Phil Lowe Library where you can download scans of furniture pieces built by him.

Library

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Find a Local Chapter

13 USA Map SAPFM chapters connect local furniture builders throughout the US.

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Join SAPFM Today

sign up Join for the education. Stay for the camaraderie.

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Visit Our Sponsors

hand shake A list of sponsors who support SAPFM. Please support them with your business.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Oct 25-26, 2025: Great Lakes Chapter (Detroit Institute of Art)

The Great Lakes Chapter is reviving a past activity that was very successful: an exhibition event at the Detroit Institute of Arts. This will consite of: An exhibition of SAPFM furniture, Demonstrations...

Announcements

Omission from our Journal: Lake Erie Toolworks

16 January 2025

We need to address and correct an omission in the 2024 edition of American Period Furniture, the SAPFM annual journal: recognization of a sponsor.

Winterthur Workshop: Craft and Conservation

16 January 2025

Winterthur Museum is accepting registration applications until March 31st for their Craft and Conservation workshop .

2024 Makers Challenge Results

15 January 2025

The SAPFM Board extends its heartfelt thanks to all participants in the 2024 Phil Lowe Makers Challenge. We are grateful to the twenty-five members who

Board of Directors Election Results (2024)

13 January 2025

For 2024, we had 3 openings for the SAPFM Board of Directors due to expiring terms. The nominating period concluded on October 15th with three candidates. Therefore per our by-laws, all of these...

2023 Makers Challenge Results

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...

2023 Educational Grants Announced

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.

SAPFM Member Featured on The Highland Woodworker

12 March 2023

SAPFM member Bob Baker is featured on Episode 64 of The Highland Woodworker's MOMENT WITH A MASTER.

Dan Faia Selected for 2023 SAPFM Cartouche Award

04 October 2022

The Society of American Period Furniture Makers has announced the recipient of the 2023 Cartouche Award, Daniel Faia of East Wakefield, New Hampshire.

See all Announcements

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

Welcome to the Society of American Period Furniture Makers

National Conferences

Local Chapters

SAPFM Publications

Online Resources

Cartouche Award

Community Forum

Member Gallery

Join SAPFM

Phil Lowe Digital Library

Find a Local Chapter

Join SAPFM Today

Visit Our Sponsors