UNH Cooperative Extension 
proudly presents

PRESERVING OLD BARNS 
PREVENTING THE LOSS OF A VALUABLE RESOURCE

by John C. Porter
Extension Specialist - Dairy
UNH Cooperative Extension

and Francis E. Gilman
Extension Agricultural Engineer, Emeritus
UNH Cooperative Extension

Old barns are tangible evidence of our rural past and the evolution of agriculture in New Hampshire. Along with various outbuildings, barns were essential parts of the farm unit in meeting the needs of rural life. 

These structures are being abandoned to make way for newer structures better adapted to today's modern agricultural requirements. However, there is renewed interest in preserving these venerable structures. Barn preservation requires the owner to appreciate the aesthetic and historical value of the structure and make a commitment to maintain its structural integrity.

It stands in tribute to an era gone by
This old barn, this sore to the eye.
And atop this time ravaged citadel
Points a weather vane;
Its rusty cow half gone, its arrow askew;
A portrait of relentless seasonal pain.

excerpt from "Not for Sale"
poem by Paul A. Mason

Beyond aesthetics and a respect for history, economic incentives can help to justify an investment in preserving old barns. These can take the form of a grant or tax relief. A rehabilitation plan can complement a business or serve alternate productive uses:  storage, retail sales or auxiliary animal housing, enhancing the atmosphere of the farmstead and producing an economic return.

This publication serves as a guide to assess needed repairs and assist with minor repairs. Many of these repairs are not for amateurs; major jacking and reconstruction should be left to the experts. 

Only if people gain an appreciation for old barns will they be preserved and maintain their rightful place in New Hampshire's landscape.

This beautifully produced volume contains historical background, practical information and research tools, and is illustrated with numerous photos and instructive line drawings. 

Two of Muster Field's restored historic barns, the Ezekiel Little Barn and Hardy-Pillsbury Barn, are included in the volume as examples of successful restoration projects.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Introduction

• History of New Hampshire Barns

• Architectural Features

• Successfully Preserved Barns

• Structural Preservation

• Important Building Jacking Cautions

• Foundations and Structural Repair

• Building Maintenance

• Disassembling and Reassembling a Barn

• Author's Notes

• Appendix 1 - The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation

• Appendix 2 - Resources Used and Reference Directory for Protecting Historical Barns