27 Facts About Norm Abram

Norm Abram was born on October 3,1949 and is an American carpenter, writer, and television host best known for his work on the PBS television programs This Old House and The New Yankee Workshop.

Norm Abram is a Master carpenter and has published several books and articles about the craft.

Norm Abram's father was a carpenter, who taught his son many of his practical skills.

Norm Abram first worked on a client's site at the age of 9, helping his father install hardwood floors.

Norm Abram worked with his father during summer vacations in high school and college.

Norm Abram initially studied mechanical engineering at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he became a brother of the Pi Lambda Phi fraternity.

Norm Abram found theoretical engineering courses to be uninteresting, and switched to studying business administration.

Norm Abram realized that he enjoyed practical hands-on work, and left UMass just short of finishing a degree.

In 1976, Norm Abram went into business for himself, founding the general contracting firm Integrated Structures Inc and operating it until 1989.

Morash then asked Norm Abram to appear as a regular on This Old House, and Norm Abram became a fixture on the show.

On May 19,2022, it was announced that after 43 years, Norm Abram would retire from the show.

Norm Abram is on the board of trustees of Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.

Norm Abram delivered the 2001 commencement speech at the North Bennet Street School in Boston, which is renowned for its commitment to teaching craftsmanship.

Norm Abram has contributed to efforts to train younger students in the building trades, such as the Generation NEXT apprenticeship program.

Norm Abram appeared in the 2010 Ace of Cakes episode "Indy, Ice and Improv".

Norm Abram is well known for his soft spoken, calm manner of explaining precise, efficient woodworking techniques.

Norm Abram is usually seen wearing a plaid shirt, a style that has become his trademark.

Norm Abram begins his shows with a reminder about personal safety, specifically highlighting the importance of wearing safety glasses.

Norm Abram emphasizes the importance of focusing attention when performing dangerous operations, such as cutting with a power saw.

Norm Abram avoids working when rushed, tired, distracted, or after drinking even small amounts of alcohol.

Norm Abram advises against misusing tools or failing to sharpen them properly.

Norm Abram is not afraid to talk to himself in the shop, reviewing carefully the next steps before he undertakes them.

In 2018 Norm Abram was selected for the Ken Burns Lifetime Achievement Award by the filmmaker who, with Old Sturbridge Village, gives the award to "individual[s] who [have] made a significant impact on the arts through a project that is relevant to the history Old Sturbridge Village works to preserve".

Norm Abram has lived with his wife, Elise, in a custom modified classic two story Colonial, timber framed home that he built in Carlisle, Massachusetts, with the assistance of his father and other professionals.

Norm Abram wrote his book Norm Abram's New House based on his experiences planning and building the house.

Norm Abram was previously married to Laura Cone, with whom he has a daughter, Lindsey.

Norm Abram serves on the editorial board of This Old House magazine, published by This Old House Ventures, Inc.