Tobacco Barn Preservation Funds

Tobacco Barn Preservation Funds Announced by Congressman Steny Hoyer and Delegate Sue Kullen

$200,000 SAVE AMERICA’S TREASURES GRANT FOR PRESERVATION OF SOUTHERN MARYLAND TOBACCO BARNS; FUNDS AVAILABLE TO INDIVIDUAL TOBACCO BARN OWNERS

HOLLYWOOD, MD – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer today announced that he has secured a $200,000 Save America’s Treasures grant for the preservation of Southern Maryland tobacco barns and unveiled the guidelines for this unique funding opportunity for individual tobacco barn owners. Delegate Sue Kullen; Rodney J. Little, Director of the Maryland Historical Trust; and Tyler Gearhart, Executive Director of Preservation Maryland also participated in the discussion of the positive economic and cultural impacts of the program.

“I was pleased to secure funds for the preservation of Southern Maryland's tobacco barns which are a source of pride to area residents,” stated Congressman Hoyer. “This grant will enable the tobacco barn restoration fund to assist property owners, nonprofits and local jurisdictions to take measures to maintain and restore many of Southern Maryland's tobacco barns - preserving the region's rural character and bolstering heritage tourism efforts along the way. In my view, such action is in line with the shared responsibility we, as citizens, have to preserve our historic sites to ensure that our children and grandchildren may fully appreciate the history of this region and its people.”

"The tobacco barn to me is like the covered bridges of Vermont,” noted Delegate Sue Kullen. “You know you are in Southern Maryland when you see these unique barns. Southern Maryland is rapidly changing and the time is now to begin to save these historic structures. We appreciate this opportunity to work with farmers and historians in a meaningful partnership that will ensure that future generations will appreciate these beautiful examples of our tobacco farming heritage."

The Southern Maryland Tobacco Barns Preservation Initiative is a collaboration of Preservation Maryland, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Maryland Historical Trust, County governments, heritage tourism organizations, and farm organizations to preserve tobacco barns across the five county region. The initiative is intended to comprehensively address the threats facing tobacco barns through funding, public policy, outreach and education, survey, and information sharing.

Read the entire Press Release (pdf) from Preservation Maryland

For assistance and information in Calvert County, contact Ms. Kirsti Uunila, Historic Preservation Planner, Calvert County Planning Office: 410.535.1600 x2504 or e-mail: uunilak@co.cal.md.us. The County provides a very informative Historic Barn Preservation Tip Sheet (pdf).