Barn Grants: National Support and What It Means for Ohio’s Historic Structures!

Barn Grants: National Support and What It Means for Ohio’s Historic Structures

Across the United States, old barns are more than just buildings—they’re cultural landmarks that tell the story of American agriculture, craftsmanship, and rural life. To help preserve these iconic structures, barn grant programs have emerged at both the national and state levels, offering financial assistance to property owners looking to restore and maintain their historic barns.

Nationally, barn grants are often offered through historic preservation organizations, agricultural heritage groups, and sometimes through federal programs like the National Trust for Historic Preservation. These grants typically prioritize structures with historical significance, architectural uniqueness, or educational potential. The goal is to keep these buildings standing—not just as relics, but as living pieces of history that can be used for modern farming, tourism, or community events.

In Ohio, barn preservation has become a passionate movement. Organizations like the Ohio History Connection and the Friends of Ohio Barns play a major role in promoting barn conservation. Ohio doesn’t currently offer a state-run barn grant program in the traditional sense, but owners of historic barns can tap into state and federal historic tax credits, as well as private grants for preservation work.

One key opportunity in Ohio is participation in the Ohio Historic Inventory (OHI). Getting a barn listed can open doors to technical support and sometimes grant eligibility. Some local counties also offer small-scale funding or matching grants for rural preservation projects.

With thousands of historic barns dotting the Ohio landscape—many made from native hardwoods and featuring hand-hewn craftsmanship—there’s a growing appreciation for preserving these irreplaceable pieces of rural heritage.

Whether you’re in Ohio or elsewhere, barn grants are a valuable tool to breathe new life into old structures—ensuring they remain part of the landscape for generations to come.

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