The future of Indiana’s aging barns is starting to appear brighter. This spring, several residents from across Indiana organized the Indiana Barn Foundation to assist barn owners in preservation efforts. Their first statewide meeting will be held Saturday, July 12, and the public is invited.

Coincidentally, legislation giving barn owners a property tax deduction has finally been passed into law. House Bill 1046, written by Representative Bob Cherry which provides a state property tax deduction on historic barns was officially signed by Governor Pence June 12. These two coinciding events could halt the disappearance of Indiana’s historic barns.

Barn enthusiasts and preservationists from across the state are invited to meet at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 12, at Pioneer Village of the Indiana State Fairgrounds to learn what else can be done to save Indiana barns.

There will be free tours of the iconic Normandy Barn and the Williamson Pin-Framed Barn. Former first lady of Indiana and board member, Judy O’Bannon will be the keynote speaker. O’Bannon has first-hand knowledge of what’s involved in barn preservation. “When at my home in southern Indiana, I live in a restored 1866 log barn. I am so grateful that the Indiana Barn Foundation and Indiana Landmarks are working together to bring awareness to the value of old barns and the need to protect them. I am glad to help with their mission.”

Artist Gwen Gutwein and Photographer Marsha Williamson-Mohr, two of the original founders of the Indiana Barn Foundation, will have their works available at the July 12 meeting. Gutwein started a project known as Heritage Barns in 2004 and is in the process of painting two historic barns from each of Indiana’s 92 counties. She has completed 130 paintings of barns and is finishing a four-volume set of books detailing the barns’ histories, “It was something I felt was a win-win situation. I could be an artist and I could also give back to the community with this project.”

Marsha Williamson-Mohr’s photographs of “rustic subjects — barns, covered bridges and pastoral scenes” have adorned walls, coffee tables and magazine covers across the country. The book “Indiana Barns,” co-authored with Duncan Campbell, is a favorite among barn lovers. Both Mohr and Campbell are serving on the board of Indiana Barn Foundation and will be at the July 12 event.

“It’s great that people appreciate old barns, but it’s time for Hoosiers to put that appreciation into action and start helping preserve these magnificent structures before they’re gone forever,” said founder Carolyn Rahe, who lives near Bourbon. “The mission of Indiana Barn Foundation includes supporting the preservation of historic Indiana barns. We hope to accomplish this through engaging the public with educational offerings, and also by providing financial help in the form of grants to barn owners for the preservation and maintenance of their barns. This is the first time a group like this has formed in Indiana. By working with Indiana Landmarks, the National Barn Alliance, Indiana Farm Bureau and other organizations, we’re confident that we’ll make a difference.”

Organization founder and barn preservationist Mauri Williamson has long advocated for such an organization, “These barns are a monument to a once-proud time of small industrious general farms that were the bulwark of a genuine family-oriented society. We have much to remember.”

All are welcome at the July 12 meeting. Visit www.indianabarns.org for more information.