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.
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.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.
Announcements
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 Museum is accepting registration applications until March 31st for their Craft and Conservation workshop .
SAPFM member Bob Baker is featured on Episode 64 of The Highland Woodworker's MOMENT WITH A MASTER.
The Yale University Art Gallery has made this wonderful 500-page book available for free download at the following link:
The MESDA Journal(www.mesdajournal.org) has published groundbreaking research on early southern decorative arts and material culture since 1975. Articles in the MESDA Journal are available free...
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.