Barn Preservation in Michigan Michigan Barn Preservation Network

Barn Preservation in Michigan

Michigan Barn Preservation Network n Organized n Federal in 1995 non-profit – 501© 3 n Volunteer board of directors with paid membership

Michigan Barn Preservation Network …. promoting appreciation, preservation and rehabilitation of Michigan barns, farmsteads, and rural communities.

MBPN Conference n Held during ANR Week at MSU n Co-sponsors – – – ANR Week MSU Museum MSU Extension

MBPN Conference n Purpose – to educate about barn preservation

MBPN Conference – to provide information and resources

MBPN Conference – to promote networking with other barn enthusiasts – to provide support and recognition for individual efforts

MBPN Newsletter n Printed quarterly with support from Michigan Farm Bureau n Mailing to over 400 members n Contents: – Educational articles – Individual success stories – Announcements of workshops – Etc.

Educational Workshops Hands-on n Demonstrations n Information n Supported by MBPN and partners n

Past Workshops n n n n n Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore – 7 Hartland – 5 Wolcott Mills – 2 Weiferich Barn Henning Barn Maybury State Park Gladwin Barn Miner Barn Tours

Bi-annual Contractors List n Contents – – – Barn Contractors Consultants Tips for selection of a contractor – Tax credit information n Available on the web site www. mibarn. net

Additional Activities n Support for the Michigan Barn and Farmstead Survey project

Additional Activities, con’t n Support for the Michigan Week Youth Photo Contest n Support for the state tax credit legislation n Supported Governor’s Land Use Council with a position statement n Supported individual quests to save barns from zoning ordinances and increased taxes

Additional Activities, con’t n Send representatives to annual meeting of the National Barn Alliance n Support representative at the annual conference of the National Trust for Historic Preservation n Numerous presentations and programs by board members

What’s next? n Begin strategic planning process n Increase membership and general awareness n Establish an endowed fund for preservation efforts

What can you do? n Barn owners – Take advantage of state and federal tax credits – Invest own money to save the barn – Advocate and promote for barn preservation – Obtain historic designation – Document structures and their history

Resources n www. mibarn. net n www. wmich. edu/tillers/home n State Historic Preservation Office www. michigan. gov/hal 517 -373 -1630

National Barn Alliance n Incorporated in 2006 n Nine (9) board members representing 7 states – Virginia – Ohio – New York – Illinois - Wisconsin - Iowa - Michigan

NBA n Annual Meetings – Chicago – Michigan, 2006 – New York, 2007 – Pennsylvania, 2008 www. barnalliance. org

Why save barns? n Endangered historic building type n Materials and workmanship are irreplaceable n The structure reflects the evolvement of agricultural practices n Scenic landmarks n Important icon of rural landscape n They have value!

Stone Cottage Gardens Gladwin, Michigan n Owners: Dave & Mary Moore n Barn built around 1918 n Currently used for perennial flower business

Treasurers Forever Au. Gres, Michigan n Owners: Chris & Debbie Boensch n Barn built in 1920’s n Currently used as a retail furniture and accessory business

Southern Exposure Herb Farm Battle Creek n Owner: Curtis Whitaker n Barn was moved n Currently used as part of retail business and for luncheons & dinners