If you own an old barn in Spokane County or the surrounding area, are you aware of the Heritage Barn Preservation Initiative?  A program of the Washington State Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation, this initiative established the Heritage Barn Register, a statewide list of historically significant barns.  Owners of historic barns over fifty years old that retain a significant degree of historic integrity can nominate their barn to be designated as a Heritage Barn and be included in the statewide register.  Moreover, owners of designated Heritage Barns are eligible to apply for matching grants available to assist with barn stabilization and rehabilitation projects.  Nomination forms along with application materials can be downloaded at http://www.dahp.wa.gov/heritage-barn-register.

The Washington Trust for Historic Preservation and the Spokane City/County Historic Preservation Office will be hosting a free workshop on Thursday, September 10 for barn owners wishing to learn more about the Heritage Barn Preservation Initiative.  Chris Moore, Executive Director with the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation, will be on hand to answer questions and discuss the process for completing program documents. The next deadline for nominating a barn to the Heritage Barn Register is September 25, 2015, with the deadline to submit applications requesting barn rehabilitation grant funds set for October 21, 2015.  Come join us to learn more about this wonderful opportunity and the application process.