Barn Believers: A Brief Background
The Barn Believers Project Fund was established in 2017 with the Battle Creek Community Foundation. Grants of up to $5,000 may be made to Michigan 501 (c)3 organizations. Our initial fundraiser was a country music concert at the Barn Theatre, Augusta, featuring the Richard Lynch Band. Richard wrote and released a song for us, “Worth Saving,” on his album, “Mending Fences.” Robert Learner, retired director of Battle Creek’s Kingman Museum, wrote a children’s song, “Great Big Beautiful Barn which was performed by 4-H youth at the opening event.
The Richard Lynch Band returned in 2019 to perform at Dreamfield Acres Barn, Marshall. In addition, Barn Believers teamed up with the Art Center, Battle Creek, for a two-month “BARNS: A Call to Action” exhibit with displays, speakers, barn visits, and a special program for children.
The Battle Creek Community Foundation provided support in 2019 to refresh the 2007 Heart of Heatherbrook mural, mounted on the Dreamfield Acres Barn. The mural was created by local artists under the direction of professional artist Tony Hendrick. It captures the attention of thousands of travelers on I-94. Tony’s death in 2023 was a shock to all who knew him and had the pleasure of working with him.
Our “Saving Heritage Barns” booklet has now been sent, at no charge, to nearly 5,000 people from 18 states, Canada, and Australia. Barn owners crave accurate, helpful guidance for decision making about heritage barns. The need for qualified people to repair barns is urgent.
with requests, questions, and suggestions.
Highlights from our 2019 Friend-Raising Events
Click on our
2017 Concert Program to see a wealth of information
for decision-making about barns!
Click on the
"The Great Big Beautiful Barn" song lyrics.
If you would like to teach this song to children, contact Jan Corey Arnett.