Photo courtesy of Preservation Virginia.
Tobacco barns. Dairy barns. Bank barns. Crib barns. House barns. Round barns. Barns are just as diverse as the people who build them.
The National Barn Alliance encourages the preservation of our historic barns for the benefit for current and future generations, to help us all better understand the American experience. The study of barns and farm landscapes is ongoing in every state as those people interested in preserving these unique structures look for ways to support the barn preservation movement.
We have gathered some of the best resources on the Internet to help you better understand, document, and preserve your old barn.
NBA Publications View past issues of the NBA newsletter, The Barn Door, and other publications developed by our partners n barn preservation. Be sure to check out our latest collaboration with higher education which resulted in a joint publication documenting a few historic barns in Virginia with the University of Mary Washington Department of Historic Preservation!
Local Barn Preservation Groups There are local state barn organizations focusing on barn preservation in several states. We are proud to partner with state/regional barn preservation groups and preservation-focused organizations including the Friends of Ohio Barns, Friends of the Thumb Octagon Barn, Historic Barns of Nipmoose, Silos & Smokestacks Nat’l Heritage Area, Michigan Barn Preservation Network, Timber Framers Guild, the Preservation Trust of Vermont, Historic Barn & Farm Foundation of Pennsylvania, Indiana Barn Foundation, and Kansas Barn Alliance.
State Historic Preservation Offices Every state has a historic preservation office to aid in recording and preserving historic properties all across America. These state agencies maintain an inventory of historic buildings and may have information that will assist in barn survey and documentation. Each State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) also provides guidance on federal historic tax credits to rehabilitate historic buildings which are listed on, or determined eligible for, the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Historic buildings that contribute to NRHP-listed districts are also eligible for these tax credits. To find out more about historic inventories, tax credits in your state, and resources regarding historic preservation in your state, visit your SHPO’s website.
Grants and Tax Credits While some state and local barn organizations have grants available to help preserve historic barns, additional monies may be available through federal and state tax credits.
Barn Repair and Rehabilitation Toolbox Sometimes we all need a little work. Identifying what it takes to save an old barn is half the battle.
Barn Survey & State-by-State Guide The tools to research, document, and interpret your historic barn.
Barn Books There is a wealth of great books focused on barns from coffee table books to scholarly works to help you understand your barn.
**Just added – A fine list of books about barns geared towards children!
For Kids Planting the seed for preservation starts early and we have resources for children and teens.
Sharing is learning. We provide a platform for barn preservationists and owners to connect and share information. Please join us on Facebook, Twitter, and visit our blog to connect with fellow barn enthusiasts.