Help Save the Shafer Farm Barn

The Shafer Farm is a historic site outside of Burkittsville, Maryland, that was used as Union headquarters during the Civil War Battle of South Mountain in 1862. The Burkittsville Preservation Association is funding and overseeing the extensive restoration of the barn, farmhouse, and outbuildings to turn the site into a historical attraction and museum. Just as restoration work was beginning, a violent storm swept through Burkittsville on Wednesday, August 26, 2021, and caused the partial collapse of the east face of the barn. This created an emergency need to protect the barn from further collapse and repair the damage, all unexpected work beyond our budget to renovate.

We are urgently seeking tax-deductible donations to save and restore the barn. Your donation will not only save the barn, it will benefit the future generations that will visit this historic Civil War site that staged the prelude to the Battle of Antietam three days later.

This barn is still to be featured on the Frederick County Landmarks Foundation's Barnstormers tour on Saturday, September 11, 2021, that is this year titled "The Barns Of Burkittsville."   

11/1/2021 UPDATE:  Through various generous donations, we've made good progress saving the barn.  Mike Myers Construction from Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, restored the east face of the barn with new framing and siding.  A new standing seam roof is partially installed as well.  We still need donations to make this all possible.  Please donate here or visit our website .

The Burkittsville Preservation Association is a federally recognized 501(c)3 developed for the preservation of the Town of Burkittsville and the surrounding agricultural area, its open spaces, history, culture, and architecture.