The Historic Barn and Farm Foundation of Pennsylvania is preparing to open applications for its annual barn preservation grant program.<\/p>\n
The grants offer financial assistance to property owners working to preserve some of the most enduring symbols of the state\u2019s agricultural heritage, said Chris McNeal, chair of the foundation\u2019s grant committee.<\/p>\n
McNeal said the grants are intended to help owners make preservation-minded repairs to their aging and historic barns.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe goal of the program is to help barn owners, encourage barn owners to do maintenance, which will preserve their structures,\u201d he said. \u201cPennsylvania has such a rich agricultural heritage, so visible because of Pennsylvania bank barns. But with changes in our economy and the way that farming is done, they\u2019re really under threat all over the state.\u201d<\/p>\n
Now in its fourth year, the program provides matching grants to support preservation projects that maintain the historic character of barns and other agricultural buildings.<\/p>\n
Two Berks County barn owners have been among the program\u2019s recent beneficiaries, McNeal noted.<\/p>\n
Stephen Heffner, a Kutztown-area farmer, received a 2023 grant for repointing the stone foundation of his barn at 16 Schwoyer Road, Richmond Township. The project focused on preserving historic masonry through appropriate restoration techniques, McNeal said.<\/p>\n
Another Berks, who did not wish to be identified, received a 2026 grant to repaint the exterior and replace windows of a barn near Sinking Spring.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am so thrilled to have received the grant to help preserve my barn and a little bit of Pennsylvania history,\u201d the recipient said in an email.<\/p>\n
McNeal said the most successful projects often come from owners who see their barns as more than working farm structures.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt takes dedicated property owners who value the barns not just as a tool for a farm, but as a piece of history, to make the investment in them,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Grants of up to $5,000 per project will be awarded on a reimbursement basis after approved work is completed and documented.<\/p>\n
Eligible projects include foundation repairs, masonry repointing, roof repairs and other work that addresses deterioration while preserving the historic materials and appearance.<\/p>\n
Eligible buildings must be at least 50 years old, have an agricultural history and retain significant historic character.<\/p>\n
Projects will be evaluated based on their adherence to historic preservation standards and their ability to maintain a building\u2019s historic appearance and character.<\/p>\n
Preservation work must not have begun before an application is submitted and approved.<\/p>\n
Application instructions for the upcoming grant cycle are expected to be posted on the foundation\u2019s website in late June or July, with submissions due Nov. 1.<\/p>\n
Grant awards will be announced in March.<\/p>\n