The Michigan Barn Preservation Network (MBPN) has designated the Leelanau County Poor Farm Barn as a Barn of the Year. A dedication event will be held outside the barn on Thursday, May 20, at 4 pm. A plaque and sign will be presented to Leelanau County Historic Preservation Society president Steve Stier. The public is invited to attend.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore will host its annual barn restoration workshop June 19-21 at the Schmidt Farm located on Norconk Road, three miles south of Empire, and one mile west of M-22. This year marks the 18th anniversary of a partnership between the Michigan Barn Preservation Network and the National Lakeshore in developing this series of “hands-on” workshops. The park and the Michigan Barn Preservation Network are providing the skilled labor to put on this workshop.