Preservation Maryland

Historic Property Redevelopment Manager Laura Houston presents a check from the Heritage Fund to the Burkittsville Preservation Association for the rehabilitation of the on-site barn.

Heritage Fund Recipients: Where Are They Now?

03/02/2023
By Preservation Maryland

The FY23 Heritage Fund grant cycle is currently open. As you prepare your application, read more about the success of three past-awarded projects from across the state.

Non-profit organizations and local jurisdictions are eligible to apply. Eligible projects fall into three general categories: education and research, planning and feasibility, and repair and rehabilitation. The minimum grant is $1,000 and the maximum grant is $10,000. Application deadline is March 31, 2023.

Hamilton Willard Shafer Farm, Burkittsville Preservation Association

The Hamilton Willard Shafer Farm is owned and maintained the Burkittsville Preservation Association, a non-profit organization developed for the preservation of the Town of Burkittsville and the surrounding agricultural area, its open spaces, history, culture, and architecture. Burkittsville Preservation Association has played a significant role in preserving the historic infrastructure, with successful work on numerous projects within the Burkittsville Historic District such as the Harley’s Post Office and Store, and the Dr. J.E. Garrott House.

This farm played an important role during the Civil War as the farmhouse served as Union headquarters during the Battle of Crampton’s Gap in 1862. As thousands of soldiers of the Sixth Army Corps used the surrounding fields for camping and staging, it is said that Major General William B. Franklin used the bay window on the first floor to look out as his troops and observe battles. Due to this site’s elevated position, it proved to be a tactical advantage for General Franklin when planning his troops movements.

The Shafer farmhouse, barn, and surrounding out-buildings had previously sat vacant for more than 20 years, and as a result of deferred maintenance, had fallen into a state of disrepair. Through the support of the Heritage Fund, Burkittsville Preservation Association was able to replace damaged posts, beams, siding, and flooring in this historic barn, returning it to its former glory. This once dilapidated barn can now be used by BPA as an education facility and gathering point to educate visitors on the significance of the Shafer farm and its role during the Battle of South Mountain.

The future of Shafer Farm continues to look up as Burkittsville Preservation Association shifts its work to the remainder of the property. BPA recently received a $50,000 grant from Frederick County through its Rural Heritage Preservation Fund to restore the windows and shutters on the farmhouse.

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