If you own an old barn in Pierce 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 50 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.

Washington State now boasts over 500 designated Heritage Barns spread across all 39 counties statewide, according to the Washington State Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation. Pierce County has 52 designated heritage barns, second only to Skagit County, which has 55 designated heritage barns.

The Washington Trust for Historic Preservation will be hosting a free workshop on Weds., Oct. 2 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the South Room of the Puyallup Public Library for barn owners wishing to learn more about the Heritage Barn Preservation Initiative. Chris Moore, Field 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 to submit applications requesting barn rehabilitation grant funds is Mon., Oct. 28.

The Puyallup Public Library is located at 324 South Meridian in Puyallup. For more information about the workshop or the Heritage Barn Preservation Initiative, call Chris Moore at (206) 624-9449 or visit preservewa.org. Complete information about the Heritage Barn Program, including nomination and application forms, can be found online at dahp.wa.gov/heritage-barn-register.