Local authors Rachael Ackley and Greg Weaver are planning a book about Shelby County’s most notable barns and are seeking your suggestions and recommendations.
“The aim is to capture a significant chapter in the county’s agricultural history before it’s too late,” Weaver said, “and to encourage preservation of these priceless pieces of history.”
In the late 1990s, Indiana was estimated to have more than 30,000 post-and-beam barns — many of them more than a century old, according to the Indiana Barn Foundation. The Indianapolis Star reported that only about 20,000 remained in 2013, and the number continues to dwindle.
Ackley and Weaver hope to capture vivid images and stirring tales of the county’s most interesting barns. That means the barns could be historically significant, remembered as a beloved part of childhood or now serve as a home, man cave or some other interesting purpose.
Share your nominations for barns that should be included in the book by contacting Weaver at 317-643-1151 or gregoryeweaver@gmail.com. Please describe the barn’s location, unique features and ownership, if possible.
Weaver, who grew up on a farm south of Boggstown, will use his more than 40 years of experience as a journalist at The Indianapolis Star and the Indianapolis Business Journal, to tell the stories of Shelby County’s most captivating barns.
Ackley, an accomplished design and marketing professional and executive director of the Shelby County Tourism & Visitors Bureau, will take the photographs for the coffee table book, which is expected to be available by fall 2027.
Keystone Cooperative announces next CEO
Indiana's county fairs allowed alcohol service areas starting July 1
Kroger members can now redeem Points for dollars off groceries in-store and online
First responders rescue multiple people in recent days
Countrymark fueling stations hosting Fueling Freedom on Friday
Step right up! Big Top Circus presented by Bee Window returns to the Indiana State Fair
Congressman Baird ioins President Trump for Medal of Honor ceremony for Major Nicholas Dockery
INDOT with chip seal operations on area roads
Conservation officer serving Vermillion Co. completes advanced public safety diving instructor training
May unemployment rate in state still below national average
IDEM recycling grants available
Identity released in fatal U.S. 36 crash
Longtime educator tabbed to lead new Montezuma Elementary
Gov. Braun unveils Indiana’s exhibit for the National Mall during The Great American State Fair
Nominations now open for farmers and ranchers to serve on USDA Farm Service Agency county committees
CBP officers in Indianapolis seize counterfeit FIFA World Cup 2026 merchandise
