Book release kicks of 2019 Tobacco Barn Preservation Project application process

DANVILLE – Preservation Virginia and JTI Leaf Services are pleased to announce the release of a new book, “Tobacco Barns, Preserving History in the Old Belt,” which illustrates the JTI/Preservation Virginia Tobacco Barns Preservation Project—a 5-year project that has repaired over 60 historic tobacco barns in Halifax and Pittsylvania Counties in Virginia and Caswell County, North Carolina. The book illustrates all of the barns that have been repaired, or are scheduled for repairs, and includes descriptions of the barns and the repairs that were completed. The books are $60.00 and can be purchased from Preservation Virginia, Caswell County Historical Association, Halifax County Historical Society or Pittsylvania Historical Society. All proceeds from the book will go toward the organizations’ work protecting historic sites in the region.

2019 Grant Program
The 2019 grant program will be different from previous years. Rather than repairing up to 15 barns, the funds will go toward the restoration of three historically and architecturally significant tobacco barns that require more attention. Funds will also go toward the creation of a driving trail that will link repaired barns to other historic sites in the region. The trail will incorporate both paper maps and an interactive, web-based map.

In order to be eligible for a grant for 2019 barns must be located within the three-county region, they must be able to be viewed from a public right-of-way and they must be 50 years old or older. Barn owners who submitted applications in previous years and who wish to reapply for 2019, must submit a 2019 application. The 2019 grant applications are due to Preservation Virginia by February 15, 2019.

The books and the 2019 applications can be obtained from Preservation Virginia and the three local historical societies at the contact information listed below. For more information please contact Sonja Ingram at singram@preservationvirginia.org or 434-770-1209.

Preservation Virginia
608 Holbrook Avenue
Danville, VA 24541
Please contact Sonja Ingram at singram@preservationvirginia.org or 434-770-1209

Caswell County Historical Association
The Richmond-Miles History Museum
15 Main St.
Yanceyville, NC 37379
12-4, Wed–Fri
Contacts are Sallie Smith or Karen Oestreicher

Pittsylvania Historical Society
Chatham, Virginia
Contact number: 434-251-0009

Halifax County Historical Society
Halifax County Visitor’s Center
1180 Bill Tuck Highway
South Boston, VA
9-5, Mon–Sat and 1-5, Sun
Contact number: 434-579-0083

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Media Contact
Sonja Ingram
singram@preservationvirginia.org
434-770-1209