The Iowa Barn Foundation provided a grant to help restore Mary Kay and Todd Wegener’s barn.

BARN AGAIN! works to keep old barns working

The National Trust for Historic Preservation and Successful Farming magazine launched the BARN AGAIN! program in response to the 1980s farm foreclosure crisis and its destructive impact to America’s agricultural heritage.

Historic barns were considered obsolete for modern farming and too expensive to maintain as family heirlooms.

BARN AGAIN! has worked for more than 20 years as a nationwide clearinghouse for information about barns and barn preservation to prove that historic farms can be adapted for new farming.

BARN AGAIN! doesn’t provide grant money — check with your state historic preservation office to see whether your state offers grants or incentives — but it promotes saving barns by:

• Providing technical information, such as foundation or roof repair.
• Making referrals for knowledgeable contractors.
• Offering workshops on barn rehabilitation.
• Publishing and distributing such information as general rehabilitation guides or new uses for older barns.
• Helping states and local organizations develop their own barn preservation programs.
• Giving awards for completed barn preservation projects.

These resources also are helpful in saving old barns:

• National Barn Alliance
  The National Barn Alliance encourages documenting historic barns and other rural structures through surveys and photography, and supports barn preservation organizations and programs
  Website: barnalliance.org
• Successful Farming magazine
  A co-founder of BARN AGAIN!, Successful Farming promotes barn preservation in its pages and features BARN AGAIN! awards.
  Website: agriculture.com
• The Barn Journal
  The Barn Journal, a reader-supported website, has general information about barns and traditional farm architecture.
  Website: thebarnjournal.org

Several states also have state or local barn preservation organizations which provide technical assistance, educational programs, and, in some cases, financial assistance.

Find out if your state participates by visiting ncshpo.org, the website for the National conference of State Historic Preservation Officers. Click on your state for contact information.