The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission will co- sponsor a one-day workshop on the preservation of barns and agricultural landscapes from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 5 in Gettysburg.

Historians and preservation experts including Jean Cutler, Carol Lee, and Bryan Van Sweden of PHMC, Wayne Motts of the ACHS and others will provide presentations covering the use of traditional barns today and how to find information on historic farms and buildings. Don Delp of Restore 'N More, a preservation contractor based in Manheim, will offer suggestions on restoration projects.

PHMC Commissioner Rep. Maitland (R-Adams) will present an update on preservation-related legislation. Stephen Miller, Landis Valley Museum Site Administrator, will provide the keynote message: "The Value of Agricultural Literacy." The program will also feature a slide show by Professor Robert F. Ensminger, an associate professor emeritus of geography at Kutztown University, who will discuss the origins of the Pennsylvania Barn.

A mid-day bus tour will stop at several historic barns in the Gettysburg area that have been saved and preserved through the efforts of the federal government, private individuals and others. The tour will also visit one of the largest blocks of preserved agricultural land in Adams County and will note the various groups that have worked together to preserve this landscape.

The other partners in this educational seminar are Historic Gettysburg- Adams County, Inc. (HGAC) and the Adams County Historical Society (ACHS). The workshop will present ideas on restoring historic farm buildings through planning and preservation. It is open to the public.

The workshop will be held at the GAR building, 53 E. Middle St., Gettysburg. Registration for the workshop is limited and is being handled by the ACHS. To register and for more information, call 717-334-4723. There is a $25 registration fee for the event.

3/18/2005