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Shepherd Barn Dendrochronology Grant July 25 2019.docx/ Historic Northampton 46 Bridge Street Northampton, Massachusetts 01060 413.584.6011 www.historicnorthampton.org info@historicnorthampton.org   July 25, 2019 Sarah LaValley, Community Preservation Committee Department of Planning & Sustainability City of Northampton 210 Main Street Northampton, MA 01060 Dear Ms. LaValley & Members of the Community Preservation Committee, We’re so pleased to submit our final report for our small grant for the Shepherd Barn Dendrochronology project ($2,300—June 28, 2016). Your patience and flexibility allowed us to use of the remaining funds to complete two additional worthwhile projects on the Shepherd Barn that enhance its preservation. In summary, using these funds, Historic Northampton accomplished three important tasks: Using dendrochronology techniques, historian Bill Flynt determined that the Shepherd Barn was built ~1805. Portions of the barn have, of course, been replaced since then, but the main support posts that were analyzed all date to this narrow time period. Flynt subsequently gave a public lecture (50 attendees) at Historic Northampton and described his work here at Historic Northampton as well as at other historic homes in and around the northeast. Cost: $1,300. (Report attached) Jim Flannery, owner of Peak Performance Roofing, agreed to make critical roof repairs to the barn and replace the rotted-out gutters. He re-used gutters in good condition that had been removed from the Parsons House. This work was estimated to cost $1,000 and use the balance of the grant funds. In the end, Flannery donated his time. Last fall, Master Timber Framer Alicia Spence made several important repairs that eliminated dry rot, helped to prevent animals from entering the barn and causing damage (photos are included in the attached pdf). She used white oak posts from western Massachusetts and relied on traditional timber framing techniques to repair the barn in a manner consistent with historic preservation and restoration. With this information and the critical restoration and stabilization work attended to, we’re now able to take the next steps in terms of the barn’s future uses and renovations. On behalf of all of us on the board and staff, thank you for your support. Sincerely, Laurie Sanders Co-director