John Arnold Rural Preservation Award

Farm Heritage

Indiana Landmarks and Indiana Farm Bureau present the John Arnold Award for Rural Preservation to recognize the preservation and continued use of historic farming-related buildings.

Recognizing stewardship of their historic Miami County farm southeast of Peru, Larry and Susan Jordan received the 2024 John Arnold Award for Rural Preservation from Indiana Landmarks and Indiana Farm Bureau. PHOTO: Laura Hayden

Arnold Award Criteria

Would we be Indiana without the historic barns that dot the landscape? Changes in agricultural practices and commercial land development pose increasing threats to farming related landmarks. The John Arnold Award for Rural Preservation recognizes those who preserve and continue to use historic farming-related buildings.

Anyone may submit a nomination, including the owners of the farm. Judges consider the following criteria when selecting the winner:

  • Farm buildings must be utilized in an active farming operation;
  • All buildings, including the house, should possess a high level of historic integrity and retain character-defining features such as original construction and cladding materials, windows, and doors;
  • Buildings do not have to serve their original use. Sympathetic alterations necessary to accommodate new uses or modern farming equipment are acceptable;
  • The farm should be managed by the property’s owner;
  • Preference is given to farms that are full-time.

The award winner receives a handsome outdoor marker and feature coverage on the farm in Indiana Landmarks’ member magazine, Indiana Preservation. Learn about the 2024 winner and see a record of past winners.

ARNOLD AWARD BACKGROUND

The award is named in memory of John Arnold (1955-1991), a Rush County farmer who combined progressive architectural practices with a deep respect for the natural and historic components of rural landscapes, including the farm owned by his family since 1820.

NOMINATION DEADLINE

Arnold Award nominations are due April 15, 2025. Indiana Landmarks presents the award at the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis. Please use the nomination form below.

Arnold Award Nomination

FARM OWNER

FARM ADDRESS

(if different than above)

PERSON NOMINATING FARM

(if different than owner above)

TELL US ABOUT THE FARM

(You may instead include a Word document or other text file in the upload section below)
Describe the farm, including location, size, layout, natural features, and other significant elements.
Describe the history of the farm—succession of ownership, how the farm has been used through the years, major crops or products, businesses conducted, and significant events. Note if the farm is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Describe the significant historic structures on the property—including barn(s), house(s), and agricultural outbuildings.
Describe how the farm’s historic agricultural structures are used in day-to-day farming operations and how they have been preserved or adapted.
Upload text

Maximum file size: 33.55MB

(If you prefer, you may include a Word document or other text file here that describes the farm's merits for nomination)

PHOTOS

Upload images

Maximum file size: 33.55MB

Please upload high-resolution digital photos (at least 300 dpi) of the farm and its preserved historic features, including barns, houses, out-buildings, and any historic elements, and historic images that support the nomination.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information or if you have any questions about nominations, please contact Tommy Kleckner at 812-232-4534 or tkleckner@indianalandmarks.org.