Vt. carpenter who worked on Notre Dame restoration to share his story in Waterbury July 20

July 11, 2025  |  By Waterbury Roundabout

Will Gusakov of Goosewing Timberworks. Courtesy photo

The Waterbury Historical Society on July 20 welcomes the Lincoln craftsman who worked on the restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. 

Will Gusakov will discuss his experience in a program titled, “From Vermont to Notre Dame: A Timber Framer's Journey,” at 2 p.m. at St. Leo’s Hall on South Main Street at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church. 

Gusakov of Goosewing Timberworks in Addison County will share behind-the-scenes details on his role in helping to rebuild one of the world’s most iconic historical landmarks that was significantly damaged by fire on April 15, 2019. The cathedral that took over a century to build and last underwent renovations in the 19th century reopened in December after five and a half years of restoration following the fire that damaged the structure’s roof, spire and medieval framework.  

Gusakov worked with the international team Carpenters Without Borders for six months on the meticulous reconstruction effort. Gusakov, whose work also includes lecturing at Middlebury College, draws on two decades of timber-framing expertise. 

The Waterbury Historical Society invites him given his unique personal and professional perspective on this international story of resilience, craftsmanship, and heritage. The July 20 program is free. 

Seven Days reported on Gusakov’s role in the project in this 2023 piece. 

The Waterbury Historical Society shared this article from Archaeology Magazine about Notre Dame’s history.