by Alix Bryan

The expertise of master carpenter Ron Blackburn helps to safeguard a bridge from our past into the 21st century. Preservation of history and Virginia are as synonymous as musket and Civil War. A small, knowledgeable sect of master carpenters, historical reenactors, and interpreters are dedicated to the preservation of Virginia landmarks.

A waltz through history
Settling back into a rocking chair that is one of his own creations, Ron Blackburn begins to divulge the elaborate account of how he, a former ballroom dance teacher, became recognized by Colonial Williamsburg as a master carpenter. Blackburn recently helped to build the 17th century recreation of Henricus Historical Park, a living museum of the second settlement in Virginia.

Betty Blackburn, his wife, said, “This is a guy who can set a table, sew clothes, cook a meal, and then go outside and bang on boards.”

His daughter, Jessica Blackburn called him “a 21st century Renaissance man.”

Blackburn is a Richmond native, but unlike most citizens, he can provide the detailed history behind the many historical markers and buildings which saturate the landscape, or share tidbits like how Cary St. was given its name. Almost 30 years of carpentry in tourist landmarks like Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Henricus have cultivated a formidable encyclopedic knowledge of Virginia. After his daughter was born, Blackburn stopped teaching dance lessons and began framing houses, but he had no idea 30 years ago that the career change would open so many new doors.

More than meets the eye
The education and skill that accompanies historical reconstruction fascinates Blackburn.

“You tear apart buildings and find nails made by blacksmiths three centuries ago, ” he said.

These popular Virgina tourist landmarks aren’t simply erected overnight or built with materials and power tools from the local hardware store. Blackburn often has to research and build the tools for the job.

“It has to be authentic to the time, there can be no tool marks on the wood,” he said, talking about the challenges most carpenters don’t face.

Blackburn’s work doesn’t just depend upon tools, but also comprehensive research.

“Someone like Ron Blackburn has to examine many examples and propose a design for which there are virtually no records to look at. Then he prepares a design that is justifiable based on other buildings from other time periods,” said Paul Tubach, executive director at Henicus.

Settlers did not leave detailed records. Blackburn spends a lot of time at the Mariner’s Museum in Newport News, investigating passenger lists of the first ships to come to Virginia from England and searching for any carpenters that were on board.

“I trace the origin of those carpenters back to England or wherever they came from, and study the architecture in that area to see what they were doing, so that I can get the closest approximation in my buildings,” said Blackburn.
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What type of person dedicates their free time to historical reenactment? How does a person become involved with reenactment? How important is the preservation of our history? Is it exciting to escape back into the 17th century? Listen to this episode with historical interpreter Dennis Strawderman, who has been involved with reenactment for 16 years.
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Preserving a nation’s history

Tubach, discussing craftsmen like Blackburn, said: “They are invaluable. There are so few of them.”

The range of Blackburn’s projects is vast. His work can be found throughout Virginia, even in the state Capitol building and Governor’s mansion, but his name and dedication aren’t as visible.

Blackburn’s initials are signed and tucked away into 17th century structures, for future record; but public recognition of his work is no where as nearly substantive as the legacy he will leave for future generations.

“In any war you will have heroes that will always be unsung,” said Paul Tubach, discussing the under appreciation of craftsmen like Blackburn.

When asked about the extent of her father’s preservation to our history, his daughter said she is: “Proud and excited for him. I like the idea that when I am old, I might be able to visit places where he helped build or have pieces he made.”

Many Richmond residents have visited the places that Blackburn has helped to preserve or build.
“He is trying to preserve the past so that the present can remember,” said Tubach.

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View an audio slideshow on the Citie of Henricus, an outdoor living museum, established in 1611 and recreated with the help of Blackburn in 2000. Henricus was our nation’s second settlement, founded by Thomas Dale and home to many historical events. It was the first commonwealth in our nation; the first place where settlers owned private property and farmed tobacco for money. Henricus was also home to the first hospital and college in the New World. Watch historical interpreters reenact the colonial experience that paved the way for life as we know it now.
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Nothing he can’t do
Blackburn is very humble about his accomplishments, but every query turns over a new discovery; like his involvement in Civil War reenactment since he was in high school, or that he sews many of the clothes and accessories needed because there are no retailers for 17th century garb.

Blackburn’s current project is a boat that takes up the driveway and attracts enough curious bystanders that he started a guest book. Blackburn is creating a replication, from scratch, of a Dutch/English hybrid pinnance boat; the blueprints based on a design from circa 1600-1620. It will be a seaworthy vessel that can sleep 4-6 people.

“I’ve been working on Swallow for two years, although discussion about it started 10 years ago,” he said.

The baptismal journey for Swallow just might be to Tangiers, he joked and said, “I hear they have great food.”

After the baptismal journey, Swallow will be used to expand the education program at Henricus, to reenact river commerce and commute between different docks and plantations along the river.

It is clear what his wife Betty means when she said about her husband, “There is nothing that he can’t do.”