Nearly quarter million dollars in grants awarded to Vermont farms by Historic Preservation

State grants totaling $222,424 to help restore and repair historic barns have been awarded to more than a dozen Vermont farms today at the Statehouse.

The state Division for Historic Preservation and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation today announced matching grant awards to 16 recipients at a Vermont State House ceremony.  Projects awarded funding are located in ten counties throughout Vermont.

Agricultural buildings, both historic and contemporary, provide a visual record of rural life in Vermont over the past two hundred plus years and represent Vermont’s agricultural heritage to current and future generations.  The preservation of our historic agricultural buildings not only protects Vermont’s architectural legacy, it also generates jobs, supports independent businesses, increases civic participation, and bolsters  a community’s sense of place while also enhancing the experience of visitors to our state interested in enjoying the beauty displayed in the heritage of our built environment.

“We know that Vermont’s farms are important not only to our past, but also critical to our current and future agricultural renaissance,” said Gov. Peter Shumlin.  “Protecting these historic barns ensures that we honor our past as we look to the future.  The efforts of this year’s grant recipients to preserve their barns demonstrates their commitment to a vibrant Vermont economy.”

Grant projects range from roof replacements to foundation, frame and cupola repairs.  Almost 40 applications were submitted this year.

“As we have for the many years this program has been active, we received a variety of excellent applications from across the state,” said State Historic Preservation Officer Giovanna Peebles of the Division for Historic Preservation.  “Vermont is fortunate to have so many people who are committed to preserving their historic barns for future generations.”

Established in 1991, the state-funded grant program annually awards matching grants for building improvement projects that promote the public enjoyment of Vermont’s agricultural heritage.  Properties must be listed on or be eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places in Vermont.

For more information, visit www.historicvermont.org.

2012 Historic Barn Preservation Grant Recipients