$365,350 in Barn Preservation Grants Awarded to fund Vermont Restoration and Rehabilitation Projects

MONTPELIER, Vt. - The Vermont Division for Historic Preservation (VDHP) and the Vermont Advisory Council on Historic Preservation are pleased to announce the 2026 Barn Preservation Grant awardees. This year, the program will award $365,350 in matching grants to fund 20 preservation projects across nine Vermont counties. These grants will leverage over $1 million in restoration and rehabilitation efforts. VDHP received 29 applications this year requesting a total of $522,700 in funding.

"Investing in the preservation of Vermont's vibrant and rich history is a powerful economic engine, strengthening our communities while directly fostering the success of our future economy," said Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development Secretary, Lindsay Kurrle. "By focusing on the restoration and rehabilitation of our historic downtowns, village centers, and industrial landmarks, we are not just honoring our past-we are directly creating jobs and new opportunities for the next generation of Vermonters."

"The barns and farms of Vermont are recognized as important agricultural landmarks," stated State Historic Preservation Officer Laura V. Trieschmann. "The Barn Preservation Grant Program is a great tool to support their restoration and rehabilitation, ensuring long-term stewardship of our cultural resources and landscapes. We are inspired by the dedication of this year's recipients to keeping Vermont's history alive."

Barn Preservation Grants will support projects from West Haven to Weathersfield. They include a former Trout Barn in Bristol and Butchering operation in Newfane, as well as working farms such as the Wayside Farm in Randolph and the Scotch Burn Farm in Ryegate. Funds will support foundation and drainage work at the Sibley Farm's horse barn in East Montpelier; slate roof repairs and siding repairs at Douglas Orchards in Shoreham; and structural roof work at the King Farm's dairy barn in Woodstock.

Established in 1992, the state-funded Barn Preservation Grant Program awards matching grants for improvement projects that promote Vermont's architectural and agricultural heritage. The Division for Historic Preservation administers state-funded matching grants for the repair of Vermont's historic agricultural buildings and structures. These grants are awarded by the Vermont Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. To qualify, buildings and structures must be at least 50 years old and listed or eligible to be listed in the National Register of Historic Places. For a complete list of the projects awarded, visit DHP's website.

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