On Sunday, August 20 at 4 pm, Dr. Cindy Falk will present a talk titled “Raising Barns: Past, Present, and Future.” The talk, which is part of the Otsego 2000 Historic Preservation Series, will be held in the Wood Barn at Hyde Hall in Cooperstown, Otsego County, NY.
Dr. Falk will explore connections among agriculture, buildings, and the historic landscape of Central New York and argue that old barns still matter in the 21st century, even when their historic uses have faded. In addition, resources available for private individuals who own and care for barns today will be presented.
If you are interested in attending the talk, register online at otsego2000.org or by calling (607) 547-8881. The talk is free, but donations are welcome.
Otsego 2000 provides free technical assistance to individuals applying for the New York State Historic Barn Tax Credit Program. Owners of historic barns (built before 1946) may be eligible for the tax credit program for qualifying expenses to rehabilitate or maintain their barns.
The 25% credit, available to barn owners who pay New York State income tax, can be applied to qualifying barn rehabilitation and/or maintenance expenses incurred in the previous five years as well as for planned rehabilitation/maintenance expenses. Owners must spend at least $5,000 to claim the credit, and the historic exterior appearance of the barn may not be altered. The credits do not apply to barns that have been converted or will be converted to residential use, though other commercial uses are permitted.
Dr. Falk is the author of Barns of New York: Rural Architecture of the Empire State (Cornell Univ. Press, 2012) and served as co-editor of Buildings & Landscapes: The Journal of the Vernacular Architecture Forum for five years.
Hyde Hall is located at 267 Glimmerglass State Park Road in Cooperstown. Attendees are encouraged to use the Mill Road entrance.
The Otsego 2000 Historic Preservation Series continues with a walking tour of the Village of Morris on September 10, a walking tour of Cooperstown’s Indigenous Places on October 15, and walking tour on November 15 in conjunction with Glimmerglass Film Days. Talks are free of charge, the walking tours cost $10. Register in advance for the talks and walks at otsego2000.org or by calling (607) 547-8881.
Otsego 2000 is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1981 to ensure the Otsego Lake region remains a masterpiece of nature by protecting and supporting its environmental, scenic, cultural, historic, and agricultural resources and its economic well-being. Otsego 2000 accomplishes its mission through programs like the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market, Otsego Outdoors, Glimmerglass Film Days, historic preservation initiatives, and environmental stewardship.
Photo of an Otsego County barn being repaired in 2022 provided.
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