New World Dutch Barn
Self-Guided Tour in Knox, NY Download our Guide and Map, then print it or use it on your mobile device. 
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NEW WORLD DUTCH BARNS
The New World Dutch Barn is one of the last physical reminders of the pre-industrial agricultural heritage of eastern New York and New Jersey. The efficient, heavy timber structural system adapted from Northern European precedents reflects the practical construction and engineering skills of the predominately Dutch immigrants who settled the area, and their descendants. These barns are now rapidly disappearing from our rural landscapes and are in urgent need of increased study and preservation efforts. (from The Dutch Barn Preservation Society) | ||
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The Shultes-Malcolm Barn in West Berne (Knox)
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Follow a path through history in Knox
Altamont Enterprise, 06/11/15 To the Editor: I recently witnessed an unusual convergence of old and new in Knox. I was taking photos of our New World Dutch barns for Knox Historical Society’s updated driving tour. The eight Dutch barns in Knox were built between 1770 and 1825. These rare historic barns are treasured reminders of our agrarian past. Unfortunately, these structures sometimes succumb to the ravages of time and weather. I stopped at one barn and was surprised to see new side doors at the stone bridge. Even more surprising, on the gable end the original, very weathered wagon and cattle doors were below a cladding of new siding. At a time when we lament the loss of our farm buildings in the Hilltowns, it was very heartening to see this historic Dutch barn being preserved for future generations. On June 20 and 21, visitors can take a driving tour to see the Dutch barns of Knox during New York State Path Through History Weekend. The Knox Historical Society will also offer four other self-guided tours: Voices of the Past, Historic Roadside Markers, QR Codes at the Winn Preserve, and Helderberg Quilt Barn Trail. The Saddlemire Homestead at 2190 Berne-Altamont Road (Route 156) will be open from noon to 4 p.m. both days so history enthusiasts may visit the museum and pick up tour maps. Please contact me at 872-2082 or [email protected] for more information. Tour guides and maps are available on our website at http://www.knoxhistoricalsociety.org/historic-trails.html Jane McLean, vice president Knox Historical Society |
— Photo by Jane McLean
Old meets new as today’s siding merges with the 200-year-old doors of this New World Dutch barn. |