Gilfillan Farm project awarded $65,000 state grant
Project will stabilize barn, ensure longevity of historic structure
Rep. Dan Miller June 26, 2023
MT. LEBANON, June 23 – The Historical Society of Upper St. Clair was recently awarded a $65,000 state grant to help preserve the Big Red Barn at Gilfillan Farm, state Rep. Dan Miller, D-Allegheny, announced today.
The grant, awarded by the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission, will help install drainage around the barn and repair the structure’s stone foundation.
“I was happy to support the historical society’s application for this grant, which will help preserve this historic farm for future generations,” Miller said. “This project will help make sure that people in our community can continue to explore and enjoy the farm and the local history that it represents, and I want to congratulate all the volunteers and individuals who have contributed to this project and helped get this grant across the finish line.”
Built in 1857, the 15-acre farm has been maintained and utilized for the community with trails, public programs, gardens, and events since 2001, when the Gilfillan family left the farm to the historical society. The farm has been registered as a National Historic Place since 1979.
“Thanks to this grant from the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission, the Historical Society of Upper St. Clair will be able to repair and restore the foundation of the Gilfillan Farm Big Red Barn. This project is not only a next step in preserving the 174-year-old farm but also allows for easier usage of the Big Red Barn by our farmer, Horses with Hope,” said Rachel Carlson, president of the Historical Society of Upper St. Clair. “We want to thank Representative Miller for his support of our grant application.”
The restoration of the barn builds on previous state grant funded projects including a master plan in 2013, and preservation project for the farm’s Summer Kitchen in 2018.