Prison Outreach Program

For over 20 years, the Furniture Masters have coordinated their Prison Outreach Programs, first starting in the New Hampshire State Prison For Men in 1999. In 2012, a similar program was opened in the Maine State Prison and we are excited to share that the New Hampshire Women’s Correctional Facility is breaking ground this Spring to build a woodshop for a women’s program! Each program is distinctive, but all bring Furniture Masters behind prison walls to teach inmates valuable woodworking skills. Inmates are spending their time productively, not only learning a valuable skill that can be executed upon their release, but also building self-confidence and a sense of self-worth.

“This program is, for some, a time to learn a career; for others it is an opportunity for personal growth; it is a chance to learn and experience and promote a feeling of self-worth.”

How it began
Perhaps the best ideas emerge from unexpected places, chance encounters, and some internal instinct that can’t be defined. In 1999, all that unfolded when New Hampshire Superior Court Justice Kathleen McGuire connected the New Hampshire Furniture Masters with the Hobby Craft Program at the New Hampshire State Prison. The Furniture Masters were world renown studio furniture makers at the top of their craft and their new students responded in ways that Justice McGuire could only have imagined. The results speak for themselves.

The success is due in no small part to the hard work and vision of the current prison administration. We would like to thank all who have been involved and given their support of our programs.

Numerous articles have been written about our Prison Outreach Programs – find them here.

Please consider making a tax-deductible donation the the Prison Outreach Program to allow the Furniture Masters to continue to share our love and skills of fine furniture making 

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