Twenty years ago Roy Underhill and a UNC-TV production crew taped a pilot episode for a new program at a small, tin-roofed "shop" in Eno Park. More than 230 episodes later, that program, now known as The Woodwright’s Shop, continues to delight viewers around the nation. Since that humble beginning, The Woodwright’s Shop has taped in 11 states and seven foreign countries with Roy Underhill creating one wooden masterpiece after another. This fall The Woodwright’s Shop celebrates its 20^th year on PBS, making it one of the longest running of all PBS "how-to" programs. With more than a million viewers nationwide, it’s more than just another "how-to" show. Underhill’s formidable woodworking skills, love of teaching and irrepressible charm transform The Woodwright’s Shop into part history lesson, part entertainment show.

Underhill still hosts, writes and co-produces the show he created two decades ago. In that time, he’s also added a number of other job titles to that of woodworker—teacher, lecturer, consultant, author, entertainer and historian. The creative Underhill always engages his audience—from serious woodworkers to weekend crafters to those who simply enjoy his show and have no intention of risking splinters. Regardless of skill level, Underhill instills a passion for history, ingenuity and sweat equity in his devoted fans. With 17 years at Colonial Williamsburg, first as master housewright then acting as director of interpretive development, he engaged visitors from around the world in living history—actually giving visitors the tools to discover the wisdom of their ancestors.