National Park Service to Remove Barn at Friendship Hill NHS

Date: July 1, 2013
Contact: Jeff Reinbold, Superintendent, 724-322-7191
Contact: Norman Nelson, Unit Manager, 724-329-5812

Farmington, PA – The National Park Service plans to demolish an unused barn located at Friendship Hill NHS. The barn, built in the 1880's, 90 years after the Gallatin family moved away from Friendship Hill, was constructed and used by later owners of the property.The barn in its current condition is a potential fire and safety hazard. Once the barn is removed, the site will be restored to an open field.

The structure has not been in use for approximately 15+ years. During this time, the structural integrity of the barn has been compromised and portions of the roof as well as the back and southwest exterior walls have partially collapsed. The structure is located in an area that is easily accessible by visitors and employees. To address the immediate safety concerns, the barn has been fenced-off and signed to prohibit entrance.

Since the original collapse of the roof, the Park Service has been in consultation with the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). They concur with the determination that there is no other feasible alternative for the barn and that its removal will not impact the National Historic Landmark status of the site. The Park Service continues to consult with the PA SHPO to mitigate the effects of removing this structure.

The Park Service welcomes all comments and concerns regarding the demolition of the Upper Frame Barn. Comments may be submitted online at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/frhibarn or written comments sent to Unit Manager, Norman Nelson at Fort Necessity NB, One Washington Parkway, Farmington PA 15437.

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