The Persistence Foundation - Historic Buildings
Photographs by Constance Kheel
The preservation of agricultural heritage is one of the principal interests of The Persistence Foundation (TPF). Historic barns, in particular, have been a focus of numerous initiatives undertaken by TPF. This website includes information about several projects in northern Rensselaer County, NY, involving the restoration and documentation of historic farm buildings, in which TPF has been involved.
The largest and most significant project undertaken by TPF is the restoration of the Historic Barns of Nipmoose, a cluster of three significant barns owned by TPF in Buskirk. These barns showcase the extraordinary craft of timber framing. Having been restored with great care by TPF, they provide a unique opportunity to experience exceptional examples of 18th and 19th century construction.
The Historic Barns of Hoosick refers to a comprehensive study of the timber framed barns in the township of Hoosick, dating from the late 18th to late 19th centuries. With photographic and written documentation, close to 200 barns have been surveyed by TPF. All of the barns, which are located within a 50 square mile radius, were built with hand hewn beams and mortise and tenon construction.
Other projects relating to agricultural heritage can be found on the Other Buildings link. These include a study of twenty five historic farmsteads in the township of Pittstown. This study focuses on the history, architecture and placement of farmhouses and agricultural buildings on the farmsteads. A survey of the Sherman Farm is also included. It is a remarkably intact 18th century farmstead, located in Pittstown, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.