The Ross Farm Barn Move
published on July 27, 2026
In February 2026, The Ross Farm lost its historic barn and heritage sheep flock to a devastating fire. Now, a Ross family barn located less than half a mile away will be relocated and restored at the farm.
National Road Heritage Corridor is serving as fiscal sponsor for the project, accepting tax-deductible donations to support the move and restoration.
Donate to The Ross Farm Barn Move
Make a tax-deductible donation to support The Ross Farm recover from a devastating fire.
As of 7/28/26
Over A Century of Farming Heritage
For six generations, Ross Farm has been a working farm rooted in the agricultural traditions of southwestern Pennsylvania. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the farm is dedicated to preserving the practices, skills, and values that have shaped Southwestern Pennsylvania.
Ross Farm is not a museum. It is a working farm where historic preservation and agriculture go hand in hand. The farm raises heritage livestock, preserves rare breeds, produces fiber, and demonstrates that traditional farming practices remain relevant today. Through workshops, educational programs, partnerships, and community events, Ross Farm shares that work with thousands of people each year, connecting new generations to Pennsylvania’s agricultural heritage while serving as a resource for farmers, fiber artists, educators, and anyone interested in the traditions that continue to shape our communities.
A Heartbreaking Setback
On the evening of February 2, 2026, that mission suffered a heartbreaking setback. The historic barn at Ross Farm was destroyed by fire. Along with the century-old structure, the farm lost its flock of heritage and rare-breed sheep, equipment, and a building that had stood at the center of the farm’s daily operations for generations.
Time to Pick Up and Move a Barn
As the farm looks toward rebuilding, an unexpected opportunity has emerged to carry its story forward.
Less than half a mile away stands another historic Ross family barn. Built by another branch of the Ross family, it has watched over the crossroads of U.S. Route 40 and Pennsylvania Route 519 for more than a century. Rather than allow this remarkable timber-frame barn to disappear, it will be carefully stabilized and relocated to Ross Farm, where it will once again become the heart of a working farm.
This Pennsylvania Bank Barn had been utilized for multiple purposes. The main space was used for crop storage as evidenced by its louvered window openings and owl holes that provided ventilation and rodent control access to increase the longevity of the silage. The stone lower level, which was more easily kept warm and dry, housed livestock. The barn has been vacant or used only for storage for decades. Relocating the barn on a new foundation at the Ross Farm will bring it back to its intended agricultural use as the primary living quarters for the farm’s heritage-breed sheep as well as storage space for their feed.
The barn has always been central to Ross Farm’s mission. It is an essential working structure that supports the care of livestock, day-to-day agricultural operations, and the educational outreach that has made Ross Farm a regional leader in heritage agriculture. Relocating this historic barn will allow the farm to continue its work—preserving rare sheep breeds, sharing traditional agricultural knowledge, and demonstrating that Pennsylvania’s farming heritage remains a living, working part of our future.
Support The Ross Farm Barn Move
This project is about ensuring that one of Pennsylvania’s most important historic farms can continue to serve as a place where agriculture, preservation, education, and community come together. By helping restore this working landscape, you are preserving not only a remarkable historic structure, but also the knowledge, traditions, and stewardship that it has supported for generations.
FAQ
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes. National Road Heritage Corridor is a nonprofit organization recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations made through this page are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. All contributions designated for the Ross Farm Barn Relocation Project are deposited into a restricted fund and used exclusively to support this project.
Who is managing the project?
The Ross Farm Barn Relocation Project is led by Amy Ross Manko, owner and steward of Ross Farm. National Road Heritage Corridor serves as the project’s fiscal sponsor, providing financial oversight, receiving charitable contributions, and administering project funds.
Project management is being provided by Integrity Construction, which is coordinating the relocation effort and the many specialists required to complete this complex undertaking. The project brings together experienced professionals in historic preservation, structural engineering, heavy transportation, construction, and other specialized trades to ensure the barn is safely relocated and restored while preserving its historic character.
Together, these partners are working to preserve an important piece of Washington County’s agricultural heritage and ensure this historic barn continues to serve future generations.
Why is the National Road Heritage Corridor serving as the fiscal sponsor?
National Road Heritage Corridor’s mission is to conserve heritage, cultivate stewardship, and strengthen communities throughout southwestern Pennsylvania. The preservation of historic agricultural landscapes and structures is an important part of that mission.
As fiscal sponsor, National Road Heritage Corridor receives charitable donations on behalf of the project, maintains a restricted fund dedicated to the barn relocation, provides financial oversight, and ensures that donated funds are used exclusively for the purposes of the project.
Can I donate materials or professional services?
Yes! Donations of materials, equipment, or professional services may help reduce project costs and are greatly appreciated. If you are interested in making an in-kind contribution, please contact us to discuss your ideas and determine how they can best support the project.
Can businesses or organizations sponsor the project?
Absolutely! Businesses, foundations, civic organizations, and community groups are invited to become project sponsors. Sponsorship opportunities provide meaningful support for the preservation of this historic barn while demonstrating a commitment to protecting Washington County’s agricultural heritage.
Please contact us to discuss sponsorship opportunities and recognition options.
Will I receive updates on the project?
Yes. We look forward to sharing milestones as the project progresses, from preparing the barn for relocation to its move, restoration, and return to service at Ross Farm. Follow National Road Heritage Corridor or Ross Farm on social media, or check this page for updates as work continues.
Ways to Help
Make a Donation
Every gift, no matter the size, helps move this project forward. Your tax-deductible contribution supports the relocation, restoration, and continued stewardship of this historic barn.
Become a Project Sponsor
Businesses, foundations, and organizations can play a leading role in preserving one of Washington County’s historic agricultural landmarks. Sponsorship opportunities are available for organizations that wish to make a significant investment in the project’s success.
Contact us to discuss sponsorship opportunities.
Donate Materials or Professional Services
Historic preservation depends on skilled craftspeople and generous partners. If you can provide construction materials, equipment, transportation, engineering, or professional services, we’d love to hear from you.
Contact us to discuss in-kind donations.
Share the Story
One of the easiest and most meaningful ways to help is by telling others about the project. Share this page with friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues who care about preserving Pennsylvania’s agricultural heritage.
Share this project on social media or by email.
Stay Connected
Follow the progress of the barn relocation, restoration, and fundraising campaign as this remarkable project unfolds.
Sign up and follow The Ross Farm on social media. Instagram & Facebook