American Furniture Masters Institute

The American Furniture Masters Institute (AFMI) is a nonprofit organization that administers the New Hampshire Furniture Masters Certification Program. AFMI also supports educational initiatives aimed at preserving the art of fine furniture production, such as the Prison Outreach Programs in New Hampshire and Maine, as well as the Alden Artisan Advancement, a scholarship program for aspiring artisans. The Prison Outreach Program at the New Hampshire State Prison for Men, the organization's oldest educational program, goes behind prison walls to deliver instruction to innovative and motivated incarcerated individuals who participate in the program. This program is an opportunity for some people to learn about a career; for others, it's a chance for personal development. It provides an opportunity to learn and experience things that will help people feel more confident in themselves. The program includes tutorials that start with the most basic abilities. As time goes on, more complex methods and the finer points of woodworking are covered, frequently focusing on the instructor's area of expertise.