Historic Indiana farms sought for rural preservation award

Indiana Landmarks and Indiana Farm Bureau welcome nominations for the 2019 John Arnold Award for Rural Preservation. The award recognizes the preservation and continued use of historic farm buildings in Indiana.

Since it was established in 1992, owners of 28 historic farms all over the state have been honored with the award.

Anyone, including farm owners, can submit a nomination for the Arnold Award, which will be presented during Farmers’ Day festivities at the Indiana State Fair in August.

The nomination is simple and asks for:

-- A brief history of the farm and description of its significant historic structures and features, such as the farmhouse, barns, agricultural outbuildings, and landscape elements.

-- Adescription of how the farm’s historic agricultural structures are used in day-to-day farming operations, and how they have been preserved or adapted.

High-resolution digital photographs of the farm and its preserved historic features. Historic images are also welcome.

The award winner receives an attractive outdoor marker, a vehicle pass to the Indiana State Fair, and overnight accommodations in Indianapolis for the Farmers’ Day ceremony.

Indiana Landmarks named the award in memory of John Arnold (1955-1991), a Rush County farmer who successfully combined progressive architectural practices with a deep respect for the natural and historic features of the rural landscape. The John Arnold Award for Rural Preservation honors those who share a similar commitment to preserving the landmarks and landscape of rural Indiana.

The Arnold Award for Rural Preservation nomination form is available on Indiana Landmarks’ website, www.indianalandmarks.org, or by calling Tommy Kleckner at Indiana Landmarks, 812-232-4534 or e-mail tkleckner@indianalandmarks.org.

Deadline for nominations is May 31.