About Heritage School of Woodworking & Course instructors
Since 1996, Heritage School of Woodworking has taught thousands of students the skill of hand-tool woodworking. In a world increasingly shaped by fast-paced impersonal technology, we offer something enduring: hands-on learning from master who dedicated their life to craftsmanship. We are dedicated to inspiring others to pursue this timeless art of traditional craftsmanship.
Woodworking has long been a trade passed down through generations—father to son, master to apprentice. At Heritage School, we honor that tradition by providing an environment where this skill continues to thrive. Our instructors are not only masters of their craft, but also believe in the philosophy of excellence, discipline, and the satisfaction of building with integrity.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced craftsman, if you dream of building a piece of fine furniture with your own hands —an heirloom that you’ll one day pass down to your children or grandchildren—this is the place for you. Our classes are immersive, our standards are high. We are united by a shared love of beauty, function, and tradition.
Mission Statement — “Inspiring the art of working with your hands.”
Heritage School of Woodworking instructors
Stan beckworth
Stan Beckworth began his woodworking career in 1983. His extensive experience allows him to teach not just as an instructor, but as a practicing master craftsman. Early on, his passion for working with his hands led him to share traditional hand-tool skills with others.
Stan teaches a wide range of classes, specializing in traditional joinery, furniture design, and relief carving—a craft he perfected while studying under other master carvers. When he is not in the classroom, Stan stays active as a consultant and builder of custom furniture. More recently, he has focused his artistry on custom carving, having been commissioned to create pieces for several congressmen and restore furniture for past presidents.
Today, Stan is a recognized, award-winning craftsman who remains dedicated to the heritage of his trade.
“Through the years, I have had the privilege to collaborate with many fine master craftsmen. Being able to create beautiful, timeless designs and pass on practical skills for everyday application is what I love to do.”
Jonathan Schwennesen
In 2006, at just sixteen years old, Jonathan Schwennesen stepped into the workshop to begin a life-defining four-year apprenticeship under Frank Strazza. What started as a young man’s curiosity evolved into a mastery of the grain, guided by the steady hands of his mentors at the Heritage School of Woodworking.
Jonathan’s journey has been one of diverse challenges—from the intricate details of Federal-style to the heavy engineering of workbenches and even a functional waterwheel. His transition from student to teacher began in 2012. Starting as a teacher’s assistant, Jonathan’s natural aptitude for the craft quickly elevated him to an instructor. Today, as School Director, he carries the torch for the next generation, ensuring the art of hand-tool woodworking remains a living, breathing tradition.
“The love of craftsmanship is expressed through detail. The task of the craftsman is to instill a feeling of harmony and beauty to the whole.” – Jonathan Schwennesen
Mark Borman
At the age of 9, Mark’s interest in woodworking began, which led him to begin an apprenticeship with Homestead Heritage Furniture at the age of 17. In his own shop he has built many pieces of furniture from small dovetail boxes to large 10′ round conference tables. Most of his work has been for clients who have ordered custom pieces for their homes and offices. Mark has been building custom furniture for the last 28 years and is now the manager of the Heritage Furniture business. Mark enjoys making hand tools and jigs that can simplify the building process. He has taught children how to shape simple utensils like wooden spoons and cutting boards as well as other larger projects. “Seeing the young grow to maturity in their craft is what I appreciate.”