Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute

Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute is a woodworking and carpentry trade school in Adrian, Michigan. We are located in Adrian, Michigan.

The SBW is a non-profit 501c3 organization dedicated to promoting personal development through woodworking. We provide woodworking classes for all ages as well as job training, workforce development and rehabilitation services for Lenawee County residents. The SBW is an accredited education center recognized by the Woodworking Career Alliance of North America, the woodshop provides certification f

or over 250 different machine operations. We are a certified evaluation center that awards certificates, credentials, and transcripts that are recognized by thousands of woodworking manufacturers as proof of skill level and job experience. In partnership with the WCA, the current credentials program is recognized by the State of Michigan for its respective state-sponsored career and technical education programs. Aside from workforce training, our certified woodworking facility allows us to offer art classes and machinery resources to the public. Class offerings include sculptural woodworking, woodcarving, wood turning, instrument building, and canoe building, along with many other offerings. The woodshop is ran by a ten person board and a strong volunteer base. We have 3 part time instructors employed with us. Our great team allowed us to serve almost 1000 students at the woodshop in the past year. The large majority of those students received free tuition and materials for their classes.

Beautiful, organic, functional… students in Luke Barnett’s Design & Build Stools class gained inspiration from Wharton E...
08/26/2026

Beautiful, organic, functional… students in Luke Barnett’s Design & Build Stools class gained inspiration from Wharton Esherick to sculpt their own version of the iconic three and four legged stools. The seats were sculpted from walnut, the legs are hickory, finished with Heritage Natural Finishes

08/26/2026

“I had no hands-on experience. I didn’t know what a Phillips head was.”

Natalie Henshaw earned a master’s degree in history, but she struggled to find work that felt meaningful. Then she discovered the preservation trades—and realized how much she loved working with her hands.

The first time she could point to brick piers she had built and a window she had restored, she experienced a kind of fulfillment she had never felt before.

Today, Natalie is the Director of Historic Trades for the Campaign for Historic Trades.

Her story proves that you do not have to begin as an expert. A rewarding new career can start with curiosity, training, and the willingness to try something different.

Watch “I Didn’t Know What a Phillips Head Was,” the second film in our “A Career Worth Building” campaign:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-96bydTTwOk

Learn about SBWI’s Architectural Carpentry & Preservation program:https://sbwi.edu/architectural-carpentry-preservation

Build a career with skill, craft, and purpose.Preserve the past. Build the future.

08/12/2026

What is historic preservation—and why does it matter?

Preservation is more than repairing old buildings. It is the stewardship of historic places, materials, skills, and stories. It connects us to the people who came before us while preparing a new generation to carry their craftsmanship forward.

In our first film from the “A Career Worth Building” campaign, five preservation professionals share why they chose this work, what makes it meaningful, and why skilled preservation craftspeople are needed now more than ever.

If you are looking for a career that combines history, problem-solving, creativity, and working with your hands, this may be the path you have been searching for.

Learn about SBWI’s Architectural Carpentry & Preservation program:https://sbwi.edu/architectural-carpentry-preservation

Build a career with purpose.Preserve the past. Build the future.

🎉 We’re proud to announce our new Architectural Carpentry & Preservation program—a one-year, hands-on training program l...
08/01/2026

🎉 We’re proud to announce our new Architectural Carpentry & Preservation program—a one-year, hands-on training program launching in Fall 2027 in Adrian Township, Michigan.

Students will build foundational woodworking and architectural carpentry skills before taking their training into the field, working on historic structures and learning to repair, restore, and recreate the doors, windows, trim, millwork, and details that give older buildings their character.

“Being a conduit from the past to the future—you’re a connector, continuing that story for generations to come.”

— Jessica Flores, Preservation Forward

Developed with guidance from a national team of carpenters, preservationists, architects, engineers, trades professionals, and educators, the program combines traditional craftsmanship, recognized preservation standards, and practical industry experience.

Graduates will earn a Professional Diploma and be prepared for careers in finish carpentry, architectural millwork, historic restoration, preservation trades, and more.

Learn more and apply: https://sbwi.edu/architectural-carpentry-preservation

We completed our annual CPR / First Aid training this week! Many thanks to Jason Hallenbeck from the Adrian Fire Dept an...
07/31/2026

We completed our annual CPR / First Aid training this week! Many thanks to Jason Hallenbeck from the Adrian Fire Dept and the Adrian Noon Rotary for awarding us a grant to purchase an AED device! ♥️⚡️

Adrian Noon Rotary Club

Adrian Fire Department

Address

1375 N. Main Street #41
Adrian, MI
49221

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm
Saturday 8am - 12pm

Telephone

+15177593070

Website

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