Historic Barn Tour Returns to Hancock County Saturday

On Saturday, September 12, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the beloved Historic Barn Tour of Hancock County makes its highly anticipated return, inviting visitors to explore six remarkable historic barns and farm properties throughout Hancock County.

Held every other year, the self-guided Historic Barn Tour offers a one-of-a-kind experience that blends local history, farming heritage, family-friendly entertainment, and the atmosphere of a vibrant farmers market. Guests of all ages are invited to journey through the county’s past while enjoying a full day of activities, demonstrations, shopping, food, and entertainment.

“This event is far more than a tour of barns,” said Abigail Inbody, Executive Director of the Hancock Historical Museum. “It’s an opportunity to experience the stories, craftsmanship, and traditions that helped shape Hancock County. And this year, we have made some really fun changes.”

The six featured properties showcase a diverse collection of historic barns, including structures dating back to the 1850s. Visitors will learn about the families who built and cared for these barns over generations while gaining insights into historic farming practices, timber-framing techniques, agricultural/barn architecture, and innovative examples of adaptive reuse.

Every barn has a story to tell.

Through extensive research conducted by the Hancock Historical Museum, property owners are provided with historical information that helps connect (or reconnect) them with their farms’ roots and heritage. Preserving and sharing these stories aligns with the museum’s mission to remember the past, educate the present, and inspire the future.

In addition to exploring the barns themselves, attendees will enjoy activities and attractions at every stop, including:

• Local food vendors and specialty treats
• A Coffee truck
• An Ice cream vendor
• Antique shopping
• Markets featuring local flowers, herbs, and handcrafted goods
• Live music
• Children’s activities
• Blacksmithing demonstrations
• Antique machinery demonstrations

A special highlight of this year’s tour will be a full-day fly-in experience at one of the properties, hosted in partnership with the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 636. Guests will have the opportunity to watch aircraft demonstrations throughout the day, meet aviation enthusiasts, and see airplanes up close, making this year’s event unlike any previous Barn Tour.

“The Historic Barn Tour shows the intersection of agriculture, architecture, innovation, and community,” Inbody said. “Whether you’re a history enthusiast, farmer, nature-lover, aviation fan, thrift shopper, or simply looking for a memorable way to spend your weekend, there’s truly something for everyone.”

As a fundraiser for the Hancock Historical Museum, the event directly supports the organization’s ongoing efforts to preserve and share local history. The museum is a privately funded nonprofit organization dedicated to safeguarding the stories and artifacts that define Hancock County’s heritage.

Ticket Information: Advance tickets are available online for just $15.Day-of-event admission is $20 for museum members, $25 for Non-Members. Children under 15 are free.

The Hancock Historical Museum wishes to thank the generous sponsors who make this event possible, including Legacy Farmers Cooperative, Hitchings Insurance, Runnings, and Visit Findlay. Special recognition is also extended to Friends of Ohio Barns for sharing their expertise and perspectives on the unique architecture and preservation significance of each featured barn.

Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to step inside some of Hancock County’s most treasured agricultural landmarks and experience a day where history comes alive.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Hancock Historical Museum located at 422 W. Sandusky street, visit Hancockhistoricalmuseum.org or call 419-423-4433.