New Canaan boasts a beautiful collection of historic barns, many of them standing thanks to a combination of smart preservation and dedicated local involvement. Because of the Historical Society’s ongoing educational efforts and an innovative local ordinance that promotes thoughtful renovation, the barns on this special tour have not just survived, but thrived. All are all beautifully restored, repurposed, and being used in exciting, relevant ways.

Kip Farrell, author and expert on historic barns, and Judy Larsen, local preservation activist and expert, spearheaded the movement over ten years ago that led to this success story. Farrell and Larsen will lead the tour on Thursday, May 21st from 10:30 am – 3:00 pm. The tour will meet at the Historical Society at 13 Oenoke Ridge in New Canaan.

The tour begins with a photography exhibition of local barns, and over lunch Farrell and Larsen will talk about the history of barns in our area, drawing on extensive research and experience from their successful campaign to save New Canaan’s barns. Historical Society Executive Director Janet Lindstrom will explain how local legislation has made it appealing for homeowners to preserve barns, even as they update them for today’s lifestyles.

The tour will depart from the society by coach bus to visit four significant historic barns, ranging in date and purpose, with Farrell and Larsen as docents. The cost for the tour is $115, all inclusive; fifty percent of the cost is tax deductible, benefiting the educational work of the Historical Society and League of Women Voters. For reservations checks may be mailed to the Historical Society with “Barn Tour” written in the memo, or please call the Society at 203-966-1776 for more information.