Historic Barn Conference

The Pennsylvania Historic Barn Conference is now history.  I am overwhelmed with relief.  At the same time, I am thrilled at the amazingly successful results our small band of barn enthusiasts had in putting this conference together.  Countless hours were devoted to organizing and executing this event during the past eight months.  Everything and everyone came together from June 5-7, 2008 at Kutztown University to celebrate our special barns and the agricultural heritage most of us take for granted.

Conferees came from eight states plus the District of Columbia.  One person travelled from Iowa, several from Michigan, and our neighboring states were represented with strong numbers.  This conference was the first major event for the Historic Barn and Farm Foundation of Pennsylvania, a fledgling group dedicated to recording, documenting, and preserving historic barns.  Started in March 2007 when barn author Robert Ensminger and I met for the first time at a restaurant in Hamburg, PA, our organization was officially launched last September.  From that very first encounter, our numbers have been growing.  Joining Bob and me at that inaugural meeting of the minds were Greg Huber and Jeffrey Marshall, both well-known experts on historic structures and preservation.

Last weekend, more than one hundred people came to Berks County to learn more about the old barns.  Gathering at the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center on Thursday evening, the early arrivals had the opportunity to network with one another.  I was especially pleased that Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Dennis Wolff took time out of his busy schedule to stop in to say “hello.”

Friday morning found us filling up the auditorium in Kutztown University’s student union building.  A packed agenda kept us moving through a long list of speakers who were willing to share their expertise about historic barns.  Restoring, reusing, retrofitting, and recycling old barns were topics of interest, along with barn art and hex signs.  Preservationists and politicians were on hand to share the latest information with those in attendance.  I was thrilled to have the president bring greetings to the group.  President of Kutztown University, Javier Cevalles, shared his university’s support for teaching about and supporting programs for historic barns and our agrarian heritage.  I certainly appreciate the help HBFF of PA has received from KU professor Dr. Robert Reynolds, the director of the PA German Cultural Heritage Center and HBFF board member, and his staff in putting this conference together.

Representative Mark Keller, Perry County, provided an update on legislation he has introduced to assist historic barn owners through a tax incentive and grant program.  Unfortunately, the bill has not been reported from the House Tourism and Recreational Development Committee yet.  Keller assured the crowd that he will continue to advocate for its passage, even if it means reintroducing it in the new session that starts in January.  Since he is the candidate on both Republican and Democratic tickets, Keller is safe in making that promise to the people.

A tribute dinner to three very special people was held Friday evening.  John Heyl, Joseph Glass, and Robert Ensminger were honored for their combined decades of work in researching and documenting Pennsylvania’s historic barns.  The evening was highlighted by their reminiscing about their work and their philosophies about people and life, in general.  Centenarian John Heyl received a standing ovation from the crowd at the conclusion of his remarks as he challenged all of us to be “observant” as we live our lives, taking notice to all that surrounds us.  His remarks hit home for many folks who gathered in that banquet hall, barely slowing down enough to enjoy the delicious meal.

Culminating the conference was Saturday’s bus tour in the Oley Valley.  Honoree Bob Ensminger is quick to point out that no where in the United States can you find as many historic barns of various architectural styles and ages than in that historic district of Berks County.  He should know since he has travelled across the country and to other continents studying old barns.  Despite the scorching temperatures, the bus tour participants explored eight barns and met with their hospitable owners.  The hardest part of the day was rounding up everyone and herding them back to the buses in order to stay on schedule.  Thanks to Bob Ensminger, Greg Huber, Phil Pendleton and Jim Lewars for putting together a memorable day.

At lunch time, Representative Dave Kessler joined the crowd at a local church and spoke to them about Pennsylvania’s efforts to preserve farmland and local efforts which have designated the Oley Township as an historic district, the first of its kind anywhere in the nation.  It was great to have the local state representative welcome the tour participants to his legislative district and spend some time listening to commentary from visitors and constituents, alike.

As the conferees departed for home, many asked me what we were planning next.  I assured them that we would stay in touch and let them know when another tour or conference was in the making.  Even though the conference had come to an end, the HBFF of PA Board still has much to do to complete the circle --- getting bills paid, thank you notes sent to sponsors, and much more than I wanted to think about at the end of a long day.  National Barn Alliance President Charles Leik congratulated us on a well-organized event, and complimented Pennsylvania on a successful conference.  We were happy to partner with NBA in accomplishing this goal and appreciate the enthusiasm of all who attended and supported this three-day event.

In the weeks ahead, the Historic Barn and Farm Foundation of Pennsylvania will be posting pictures and conference topics on its website.  Keep checking www.pahistoricbarns.org.  Please join us for more good news as we work to keep Pennsylvania historic barns on the horizon.

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