Grant Money To Restore Historic Barn In Rochester Hills

ROCHESTER HILLS, MI — A historic piece of Rochester Hills is getting some much-needed TLC thanks to some grant money.

The Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm has received a $50,000 grant from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs to rebuild the Equipment Barn on the Museum site.

“The Equipment Barn was built in the early 1900s and provided support for the Van Hoosen Farm operation by storing milk trucks and farm supplies," said Museum Manger Patrick McKay. "We will use it the same way – the lower level will house farm items for public display and the upper level will store items to support the Museum’s busy program operations. This Barn will also allow the Museum to open two original buildings on the farm to the public for tours."

Currently, Both the Milk House and Bull Barn are used for storage, she added.

Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett championed the project.

“Our City is committed to preserving and celebrating our past as much as we are excited about our future," he said. "This building will help us tell the story of our community and the incredible Van Hoosen women that shaped our past."

Construction will begin this summer with completion in early 2021, museum officials said.

The Rochester Hills Museum hosts more than 60,000 guests each year and offers local history exhibits, educational and cultural programming.

The Museum site will be open throughout the year hosting a wide range of programs and events. For more information, visit the Museum website at rochesterhills.org/museum.