This special designation, signed by former Gov. Scott McCallum last November, is the result of a collaborative effort between UW-Extension and the Wisconsin Humanities Council. Joining these groups in praising the Governor for his support are the Wisconsin Historical Society and Barns N.O.W! (Network of Wisconsin), partners in the successful Wisconsin Barn Preservation Program.

"The Wisconsin Humanities Council works to support communities around Wisconsin in their efforts to use the humanities to explore issues that matter to them. We are thrilled to be coordinating the tour of 'Barn Again! Celebrating an American Icon.' We see the activities and conversations inspired by this project leaving a lasting legacy of barn appreciation in Wisconsin," says Jessica Becker, Barnstorm Wisconsin Coordinator at the Wisconsin Humanities Council.

Barnstorm Wisconsin is an initiative of the Wisconsin Humanities Council that is bringing "Barn Again! Celebrating an American Icon" to Wisconsin. The exhibition features architectural models, photographs, popular culture objects and period advertisements, a special exhibit on Wisconsin's barns and agricultural history and a "family nook" with activities for children of all ages.

On Feb. 1, Barnstorm Wisconsin kicks off the statewide tour of the exhibition "Barn Again! Celebrating an American Icon" at the Wausaukee High School. The Wausaukee School District, one of six communities hosting the exhibit, will celebrate the opening with a Farm Breakfast.

Traveling the state throughout the year, "Barn Again! Celebrating an American Icon" will also be shown at:

• Rusk County Community Library in Ladysmith from March 14-April 20
• The Lind Farm, hosted by the Blanchardville Historical Society, in Blanchardville from April 26-June 1
• Agricultural Heritage and Resources "Heritage Farm" in Kewaunee from June 6-July 27
• Farm Progress Days in Waupaca County from July 15-17
• St. Croix ArtBarn in Osceola from Aug. 15-Sept. 21
• Washburn Historical Museum and Cultural Arts Center in Washburn from Sept. 26-Nov. 1

For more information on Barnstorm Wisconsin and the tour of "Barn Again! Celebrating an American Icon," visit the Wisconsin Humanities Council Web site.

Wisconsin is noteworthy for its active support in preserving historic barns. The Wisconsin Barn Preservation Program, spearheaded by UW-Extension, has focused on building public awarenesss of the need to preserve historic barns, offered regional educational workshops covering technical issues associated with preserving and maintaining older rural buildings and developed a series of publications. Since this program began in 1995, over 16 workshops have been held throughout the state attracting over 1,700 participants.

View the Wausaukee installation of the "Barn Again!" exhibit. Click on the image below to see a larger version.