CONTACT:

Jennifer Mortensen, Preservation Services Coordinator
Washington Trust for Historic Preservation
206-624-9449 or email

Olympia, Washington: The Washington State Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation (DAHP) announced today that applications to request funding through the Heritage Barn Rehabilitation Grant Program are now available. Part of the state’s Heritage Barn Preservation Initiative established in 2007, the grant program assists with rehabilitation projects to stabilize and preserve designated Heritage Barns across the state.

Since the program’s inception, Heritage Barn Grant funding has provided assistance to 83 Heritage Barns throughout Washington. “The Heritage Barn Preservation Initiative has achieved the objectives of saving historic barns while raising awareness and educating the public about the critical role of agriculture in our economy and heritage tourism,” noted Dr. Allyson Brooks, director of the State Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation. “Washington State now boasts nearly 700 designated Heritage Barns spread across all 39 counties statewide, and our agency looks forward to building on the success of the program.”

Rehabilitation grants are awarded through a competitive application process: in five funding rounds, the Barn Advisory Committee has reviewed over three hundred eighty grant applications. Criteria for funding include, but are not limited to, the historical significance of the barn, urgency of needed repairs, and provision for long-term preservation. Priority is given to barns that remain in agricultural use.

“This program is made possible because of the tremendous dedication and passion owners have for their historic barns,” states Jerri Honeyford, Chair of the Barn Advisory Committee that oversees the initiative. “Washington’s agricultural heritage is a rich component of our state’s history and we applaud those who continue to serve as stewards of these remarkable structures.”

Historic agricultural structures listed in the Heritage Barn Register or the National Register of Historic Places, are eligible to receive grant funds. To be eligible for listing in the Heritage Barn Register, barns must be over 50 years old and retain a significant degree of historic integrity. If you have questions about your building’s eligibility or are unsure whether or not your building is listed on the Heritage Barn Register, please contact Michael Houser at 360-586-3076 or via email.

All nomination/application materials related to the Heritage Barn Rehabilitation Grant Program can be downloaded from DAHP’s website at:

http://dahp.wa.gov/heritagebarngrants

Barn owners with questions about the grant program are encouraged to contact Jennifer Mortensen at (206) 624-9449 or via email. Grant applications are due Thursday, May 17, 2018, with grant awards to be announced in late summer.


Photos

Kramlich Barn – Whitman County

Before

After (Photo by Ron Kelman)

Eberle Barn – Clallam County

Before

After