Indiana farm structure preservation

Agriculture has played and continues to play a vital role in the livelihood of Indiana; therefore, farm structures are present in nearly every section of the state. However, with advances in technology and commercial and residential development, historic farm structures are quickly being lost to demolition and neglect. Although Indiana is known as a leader in historic preservation, historic farm structures of the state do not receive the attention that they deserve from preservationists. This thesis serves to inform preservationists of the importance of Indiana's historic farm structures and to present suggestions on ways that the current programs and activities could be improved. This is accomplished by discussing the history and current state of farming in Indiana, by examining farm structure preservation organizations in Indiana and across the nation, and by presenting farmland preservation and the documentation of rural historic districts as two alternative tools to protect historic farm structures.Department of ArchitectureThesis (M.S.H.P.