Grand Re-Opening of Nationally Recognized Historic Maryland Barn

“Our hope is that the barn will be a unique resource and gathering space for folks across the Mid Atlantic region. We envision it serving as a site for traditional dancing and music, as well as a place to celebrate family milestones.” – Lisa Marie Ryder, Co-Executive Director

ADAMSTOWN, Md. (PRWEB)
June 06, 2023

This June, the Claggett Center will celebrate the Grand Re-Opening of the Delaplaine Barn–the 125 year old structure located on its Frederick County, Maryland campus. The 6,300 square foot Pennsylvania bank barn is recognized by the National Park Service and Maryland Historic Trust as an intact and prime example of turn of the century timber framing. Members of the public are invited to celebrate the Grand Re-Opening of the Delaplaine Barn at the ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, June 22 at 10:00 a.m. Individuals can learn more and RSVP at http://www.claggettcenter.org.

An iconic symbol of Claggett’s history and legacy is the hemlock-framed barn, which was built in 1898, coinciding with the opening of the Buckingham Industrial School. “It is one of the few 19th century barns in the region in good condition with its original wood roof and pine siding on the walls. The barn’s distinctive timber frame design and features make it one of the area’s more memorable historic agricultural buildings,” shared historic structures consultant, Douglass Reed, who is working on the project. The campus was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982 as Buckingham House and Industrial School Complex/Claggett Center. Since then, the barn has been maintained as a working, historical structure. “We look forward to telling the barn’s many stories. For instance, the new dining hall floors are stained to indicate the original stable feed aisles, and the barn’s original wood floors were re-purposed to create the new dining hall tables, explained James Ryder, Claggett Center Co-Executive Director. “Additionally, the barn was still used for livestock up until the 1990s. Many of the early Claggett campers have clear memories of milking cows in the early morning or helping to deliver breech calves.”

The barn restoration project, which began in March 2022, maintains historic integrity while adding modern amenities. This barn has been refurbished to accommodate up to 270 seated guests for gathering. The building will also house a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen with dining hall for 180 guests. The building is now climate controlled, fully ADA accessible, and provides space for meetings, special events, dancing, worship services and more. Co-Executive Director, Lisa Marie Ryder shared, “Our hope is that the barn will be a unique resource and gathering space for folks across the Mid Atlantic region. We envision it serving as a site for traditional dancing and music, as well as a place to celebrate family milestones.”

This groundbreaking restoration project was awarded $760,000 in tax credits by the Maryland Historic Trust–the first barn in Maryland to receive this rigorous award. The project also received similar funding from the National Park Service. The Claggett team has worked closely with the Maryland Historic Trust, the National Park Service, and historic preservationists to help set precedent for how barns can be historically preserved while being repurposed for modern use. James Ryder added, “Our collaborative work paves the way for similar projects in the state. We hope this will serve as a vital learning tool for other barn owners throughout the country, where barns are quickly disappearing from our landscape.” Individual donors from across the region also supported this project. Most notably, the barn will be renamed the Delaplaine Barn in recognition of the generosity from George B. Delaplaine Jr., a longtime Claggett supporter and prominent Frederick County businessman.

Dina van Klaveren, Chair of the Claggett Board of Trustees added, “We are excited about how special the renovated barn will be for Claggett visitors, especially children and youth. We value the beauty of the natural materials, hand-hewn construction, and the barn’s potential to be a restorative space. The large, airy barn with breathtaking views of the Monocacy River Valley provides a built environment that invites the outdoors in.”

ABOUT THE CLAGGETT CENTER The Claggett Center is the camp, conference, and retreat center of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland and operates in ministry partnership with the Episcopal Diocese of Washington. For over 70 years, Claggett has provided Christ-centered hospitality and programming to all people for learning, spiritual renewal, and growth. Our convenient location is nestled on 268-acres in the rolling hills of Frederick County, Maryland, yet only an hour’s drive from three international airports. With the capacity to accommodate groups of 270 or more, the Claggett Center is known for its convenient location, tranquil setting, outstanding facilities, and dynamic programs. Outreach programs offer overnight camps for underserved youth and adults. The Center is also available for rent for overnight or day conferences and retreats, including special events. Learn more at http://www.claggettcenter.org.

Claggett Center barn renovation and repurposing supported with funds from the Maryland Historic Revitalization Tax Credit Program and the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives Program.

This project is funded in part by the Maryland Historical Trust through its Historic Preservation Capital Grant Program. Project contents or opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Maryland Historical Trust.

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