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Exeter Conservation Commission reopens historic Rain's Farm barn, schedules July 18 open house
Summary
The Exeter Conservation Commission announced completion of multi-year repairs to Rain's Farm barn funded in part by LCHIP grants, said artifacts from the Exeter Historic Society will be displayed under a long-term lease, and invited the public to an open house July 18 and future community events.
The Exeter Conservation Commission said restoration work on Rain's Farm barn is complete and invited the public to an open house on July 18 to view the restored building and exhibits from the Exeter Historic Society.
The work, the commission said, traces to the property's acquisition in 2002–2003 with assistance from the Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP). After earlier stabilization — including foundation work and a voter-supported roof replacement — the commission pursued an additional LCHIP grant to address remaining repairs. Restoration work began in 2022 and included replacing sheathing and siding, repairing and replacing windows, adding structural supports upstairs and in the basement, and replicating historic floorboards in the former cattle areas.
"Steven Vidar did an awesome job," the Conservation Commission presenter said, crediting a contractor who led multi-year repairs. The presenter said the Exeter Historic Society has placed artifacts from Peter Smith's barn in the restored space under a long-term lease so visitors can see historic tools such as a horse-drawn sidewalk snow plow and an old carriage.
The project team emphasized preservation of original materials where possible. The presenter said floorboards in the cattle area, which had been compromised by years of use, were replaced with replicated materials to preserve the barn's historic character. The restored interior still shows stanchions and other features used for milking, the presenter said.
Volunteers were central to finishing work. The presenter singled out "Keith" for extensive cleanup and preparation of interpretive areas; Keith said, "I love it down here." The commission also urged residents to use the 50-acre property and support its ongoing care.
Planned public programming includes a fall "art in the barn" event; artists are asked to submit materials by the end of the month with a $10 refundable deposit. Proceeds from art sales will go toward barn maintenance, the presenter said. The commission also said it is exploring a Friends of Rain's Farm nonprofit to provide sustained volunteer support and event planning.
The open house on July 18 will offer activities, exhibits and recognition of Conservation Commission members involved in the project. The commission encouraged families and youth participation as a way to build long-term stewardship of the site.
