We have all seen documentaries of museum curators wearing white cotton gloves and performing a delicate restoration on some precious artifact. But what if the artifacts weigh 800 pounds and are a working part of our museum infrastructure? Our 1900 Fire Station #1 doors are a valued artifact of Walla Walla history and are the opening to our steam pumper fire engine exhibit. So when they start to show their age a bit, it is time for a restoration… a leather glove restoration.
Join us for a presentation on the questions, techniques, mysteries, and materials in bringing these large artifacts back to a working life while honoring their historic components. Participants will preview the coming freshening of the overall fire station exhibit and maybe even do a bit of restoration work.

Instructor Larry Nelson grew up the son of a carpenter working on home remodels and additions. Forty years ago, he moved into a 1906 Craftsman home and has been restoring and carefully updating ever since. He likes keeping old things as living, working, and vital.