Grants Available for Historic Barn Repair

The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) of the Montana Historical Society has announced the third round of its Rural Property Brick and Mortar Grant.  The program will award a total of $15,000 to as many as three historic rehabilitation projects involving historic, rural agriculture- related buildings.  SHPO will reimburse successful applicants a minimum of $5,000 for their work.   

State Historic Architecture Specialist and grant administrator, Pete Brown says that “there’s a huge need for a program like this.  Ag buildings are often at a scale that puts historically sensitive repair beyond a lot of people’s means.  And while a barn that keeps out the weather benefits the owner, the picturesque quality of these buildings on our rural landscape is a public asset.  These archetypical buildings symbolize Montana’s agricultural heritage.”

The program seeks to preserve the historic character of rural agriculture buildings such as barns, grain elevators, and outbuildings through historically sensitive rehab.  Non-ag-related buildings such as schools, churches, residences, or storefronts are not eligible for this grant.  Funds will be awarded for brick and mortar expenses incurred only after July 1, 2008.  Those interested in learning more about the program can download application materials at:

www.mhs.mt.gov/shpo/histarch.asp

or request a hard copy of the application by calling 406-444-7715.