Woodworking: Shaker Side Table

Shaker furniture is an American phenomenon, born from a unique set of religious ideals. Shaker craftspeople were ahead of their time in the nineteenth century, embodying humility and integrity while embracing technical creativity. The furniture they made and sold almost two centuries ago is still popular today and blends comfortably with a wide range of tastes.

In this weekly workshop, consisting of three sessions, students will build a small table with a single drawer using hand tools and locally sourced walnut wood. We will use the same methodology as woodworkers from the few Shaker communities in this region during the early 1800s.  

Some parts will be prepared for students prior to class so that they can focus on learning hand skills and traditional joinery. Some previous woodworking experience is recommended but not required. Learn more about our historic classes.

This workshop is for individuals ages 16 and up. 

Purchase Tickets

All Classes are on Wednesdays, 6 p.m.–9 p.m. 

Session 1: February 12, 19, and 26 
Session 2: March 5, 12, and 19 

Location: Modern Woodshop, location #37 on map

Members: $465 | Nonmembers: $515 

About the Teacher

Henry Raab has been building American period furniture with traditional hand tools for four years. He is a proud Hoosier with a passion for learning and teaching about historic trades. 

Growing up in central Indiana, Henry spent most of his childhood outdoors at parks and living history sites such as Eagle Creek, Turkey Run, Billie Creek, and Conner Prairie. This exposure taught him to value our precious natural and cultural resources, as well as family traditions of folk music and craft that all taught him an appreciation for art and storytelling. 

Today Henry’s mission is to preserve traditional hand skills through preservation, demonstration, and hands-on instruction. He is a member of several organizations dedicated to this purpose, including the Society of American Period Furniture Makers (SAPFM), the Midwest Tool Collectors’ Association (MWTCA), and the Association for Living History, Farm, and Agricultural Museums (ALHFAM).

He worked as an intern for eight weeks at the Marc Adam’s School of Woodworking in Franklin, Indiana, and now works at Conner Prairie full time as a living history interpreter, historic building preservationist, furniture maker, and instructor. 

When he is not working, Henry continues to spend time in Indiana’s beautiful forests as well as building tools and furniture, reading about early American history, binding books, and collecting antiques.