Historic farms sought for rural preservation award

Indiana Landmarks and Indiana Farm Bureau welcome nominations for the 2015 John Arnold Award for Rural Preservation.

The award recognizes the preservation and continued agricultural use of historic farm buildings in Indiana.

Anyone, including farm owners, can submit a nomination for the Arnold Award, which will be presented during Farmers' Day festivities on Aug. 19 at the 2015 Indiana State Fair.

The nomination 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.

* A description 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.

The award winner receives a handsome 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 (1955-91), 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 Award 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 at www.indianalandmarks.org, or by contacting Tommy Kleckner at Indiana Landmarks, 812-232-4534, tkleckner@indianalandmarks.org. Deadline for nominations is 5 p.m. May 8.