Many historic barns dot the landscape of New York State, and oftentimes they carry a specific set of preservation challenges and concerns
Barn and Rural Preservation: FAQ
Where can I find information about how best to preserve a historic barn?
The New York State Barn Coalition offers a variety of resources to help people preserve their old barns.
The Timber Framers Guild leads to a handy contractor finder form that may help you find just the right craftsperson for your job.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation has some tips for preserving historic barns.
The National Barn Alliance is an advocacy group dedicated to helping people save their historic barns: You can contact them at info@barnalliance.org and find them on Facebook.
The National Parks Service has an extensive library of Preservation Briefs publications to give technical guidance for lots of different historic building needs, including barns.
How can I stay updated on current issues regarding rural historic resources in New York State?
Consider following the NYS Legislative Commission on Rural Resources. The commission is a joint, bi-partisan agency in the State Legislature. The commission publishes "Rural Futures: News of Interest about Rural NY.” This newsletter includes regular updates on new state laws affecting rural areas, news, publications, and grants.
Are there financial incentives available to owners of historic barns who wish to preserve them?
Repair of Historic Barns Can Qualify for 25% New York State Tax Credit
New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation announced the launch of the revitalized Historic Barn Rehabilitation Tax Credit program in early 2022. The new program allows state taxpayers who rehabilitate their historic barns to earn a credit against state income tax owed. The amount of the tax credit is equal to 25% of the expenditures incurred to rehabilitate a historic barn. To qualify, a barn must have been built prior to 1946, and the work must be approved by the Division for Historic Preservation. Taxpayers can begin to claim the credit on their 2022 New York State taxes.
Program information and staff contact information can be found on the Division for Historic Preservation's website www.parks.ny.gov/shpo/tax-credit-programs/.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation administers and coordinates a number of programs of interest or possible benefit to barn owners, including:
State and National Register of Historic Places (often a prerequisite for financial incentive programs);
Technical advice on repair and rehabilitation projects.