Having registered more than 30 barns in the county since its inception, Walworth County Historical Society is renewing efforts to capture the history of farms and barns in by restarting its Barn Registration Program.
In keeping with its mission to collect, preserve and share the rich history of Walworth County, the society has been gathering documents, photos and recollections about the many barns that once existed or still exist.
“Our goal is to capture as much information about these great old structures, existing (no matter current condition) or long gone, that played such an important part in Walworth County’s history before the memories are gone forever,” WCHS immediate past president Dan Richardson said in a news release.
Applicants are asked to provide as detailed information as possible regarding the barn and also submit several photos from different angles of the barn or copies of old photos of a barn that no longer exists.
“To do this the society has assembled a kit similar to that which is used by other historical societies, which includes a vital information application form concerning the background and location of the barn, a listing of which barns are eligible, and characteristics of the barn form,” Richardson added.
The completed registration forms and photographs are kept on file at the WCHS Resource Center for future reference by researchers and historians.
These free kits are available free by either visiting the Doris M. Reinke Resource Center, 210 S. Washington St. in Elkhorn between 1 and 4 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays or by calling 262-723-7848 and leaving a message if no one answers.
Requests can also be sent by mail to: WCHS, P.O. Box 273, Elkhorn, WI 53121.
There is no fee for registering the barn. The society will produce a certificate of registration to the individual submitting the information for a fee of $5 to cover the cost of the certificate and postage.
For more information call 262-723-7848.
