We are a non-profit dedicated to celebrating
and preserving Minnesota's rural heritage.
News!
Friends of Minnesota Barns has published a Coloring Book!
This 48 page book has images and information related to farm life in years gone by. Copies will be available at all FoMB Events. Parents and Grandparents – get a copy for young kids and help pass on the history of farm life by answering their questions and sharing stories. Below are sample pages.
Congratulations to our 2025 Photo Contest Winners!
This is the list of the most current Annual Photo Contest winners (their winning photographs were included in the 2025 FoMB calendar):
Clare Hoelderle
Wayne Zuelch
Kathy McCann
Helen Zuelch
Wanda Playter
Bill Bruentrup
Lindsea Thompson
Joni Mehus
More photos from
Chasing Barn Dreams
from FOMB's newsletter "The Barn Door"
Read the entire 3-part article HERE.
Tell us your barn story!
We love hearing old barn stories and memories (and we think you do too!). We are always looking for articles to publish in the Barn Door newsletter and what better article than stories from our membership. If you have a great barn memory or a story to share,
please write to us at
FoMB
10605 Joliet Avenue North
Stillwater, MN 55082
or email us at
friendsofmnbarns@gmail.com.
Barns Then
Barns connected our ancestors to the land and to each other. They helped pioneers survive, emigrants prosper and ultimately enabled the Golden Age of Minnesota farming. As reminders of these past lifeways, they embody the values of our forebears.
Barns Now
Barns remain an iconic part of the Minnesota landscape. Like rural heritage in many parts of the world, however, Minnesota barns are in gradual decline. Having outlived their original purpose, due to mechanization and changing market forces, old barns are often neglected by owners who can't justify the cost of repairs.
Our Organization
Friends of Minnesota Barns seeks to raise public awareness of the value and vulnerability of these humble yet beautiful structures.