Stone Wall Workshop

Stone Walls, Old Skills, Good Times: Hands-On Workshop in Little Compton

Rain Date: Saturday, April 25 -- 9.30am - 12pm

Parking: North side of Magan Way near the sweet sum trees or on the grassy area at Luke Driver’s property

Workshop Details

Join us for the second hands-on outdoor workshop focused on maintaining Little Compton’s historic dry stone walls. Led by experienced stonewaller and local historian Luke Driver, this 2.5 -hour session is designed for adults interested in both the heritage and practical techniques of traditional stone walling. Participants will continue restocking the existing stone wall, while learning to identify stones by shape, color, and texture and learn about cap-stones.

Not ready to lift stones? No problem!

If you're interested in learning but not physically able to participate, please come along to watch. Observers are welcome and encouraged — there's plenty to see, hear, and learn!

What You’ll Learn

• Safety practices and proper body mechanics for working with stone
• Basic techniques for diagnosing and repairing single-stack fieldstone walls
• History - Glacial melt and how to identify stones by shape, color, and texture.
• Cap-Stones - How to fabricate

Participants will observe live demonstrations, practice in small teams, and have the opportunity to work on their own section of wall. No experience necessary and observers are welcome.

This workshop is open to all—whether you're eager to build or simply curious to learn more about this centuries-old craft.

All skill levels and physical abilities are encouraged to join. This is an inclusive, educational, and engaging experience for everyone.

Facilitator: Luke Driver

As a teenager in the 1970s, Luke Driver fell in love with Little Compton’s fieldstone walls, spending summers apprenticing with stonemason George Medeiros. After serving as a deep-sea diver in the U.S. Navy, Luke earned a BA in history from Brown University and a master’s in public education administration.

While building a career in public education, Luke kept stonewalling as a side business. In 2019, he left education to return to his roots as a full-time stonewaller. Now semi-retired, Luke is certified by the Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain and actively advocates for the preservation of historic stone walls. He’s passionate about passing on his skills to the next generation.