Don’t miss this day of historic barns, scenic views, and local history in the hills of central New Hampshire. The barns of Andover link us to the rich agricultural history of the area. Eight distinctive examples will be showcased on the self-guided tour on Saturday, September 7.

The event begins at 10am with an illustrated lecture, “The History of Agriculture as Told by Barns,” presented by author and barn expert John Porter with welcome by Steve Taylor, former commissioner of the N.H. Dept. of Agriculture, Markets & Foods at Proctor Academy’s Stone Chapel. Participants then depart for a self-guided tour to explore distinctive barns of this rural community. Experts will be available at each barn to answer questions about architectural features, agricultural uses, framing styles and repair methods. Attendees will also be invited to tour the Andover Historical Society’s 1837 Tucker Mountain Schoolhouse. The well-preserved schoolhouse (which closed in1893) is listed on the National Register and remains in its original condition.

“Barns are disappearing from our New Hampshire landscape,” said Beverly Thomas, Preservation Alliance deputy director and tour coordinator, "and we want to increase appreciation for them and encourage their preservation. It’s exceptional to see that so many historic barns survive in Andover and are being well stewarded and used by their owners."

Proceeds from the tour will support the NH Preservation Alliance’s barn preservation activities across the state.

Cyclists are welcome too! Enjoy a more intimate experience of the back roads of Andover by cycling from barn to barn along the 20-mile route of paved and dirt roads. The ride offers beautiful vistas, scenic historic properties, stone wall-lined roads and includes a section of the Northern Rail Trail.

The event is presented by the N.H. Preservation Alliance in association with the Andover Historical Society and The Andover Community Hub.

Members of partnering organizations - $30
Non-members - $40
Membership Special (tour + 1 yr. Preservation Alliance membership) - $50
Early Bird Discount - $5 discount if tickets purchased by September 2.
Optional Lunch - $12. Lunch must be ordered by September 2.

To register or for more information, go to nhpreservation.org or call the Preservation Alliance at 603-224-2281.
Student scholarship information available by emailing events@nhpreservation.org.

Generous sponsors of the Preservation Alliance’s Old House & Barn Program include:
Samuel P. Pardoe Foundation; Colonial Restorations, LLC; Fifield Building Restoration & Relocation; Harrisville Designs; Vintage Kitchens; Cedar Mill Group; Colonial Builders; Colonial Lighting; Hubbingtons Furniture; Levasseur Electrical Contractors, Inc.; RST Thermal, Inc.; Rumford Stone; Winn Mountain Restorations, LLC; Enviro-Tote, Inc.; Owen Associates, Inc.; Decatur Co.