Reading Farm Buildings


	This activity is a guide to reading farm buildings. First, learn more about architectural styles and construction techniques. Refer to some easy to read style books, but remember, not all buildings follow any particular style. A vernacular or folk form of architecture is one that people built over and over again without changing it very much from one generation to the next. The questions should be used to guide students in gathering and analyzing information on their Worksheet for Farm Buildings. Encourage students to read both houses and outbuildings. Individual students or small groups can be assigned selected questions. In the class room, students may write a short essay summarizing their conclusions about the significance of what they saw.

Collecting data

What kinds of structures are found on a farm? How are they arranged around the house?

List and describe as many architectural details as possible.

Note materials and methods of construction.

Using the · Visual Survey Guide, identify the visual features of buildings.

Do the structures appear to have been physically altered over time?

What is the physical condition of the structure?


	Analyzing data What are the current functions of the buildings on this property? Why and when do you think building functions or appearances were changed? Are buildings used for purposes other than what they were intended originally? Developing and testing hypotheses Is the structure a good example of a certain style or type of building? What do the structures say about past and present inhabitants? Is the structure well preserved? Do you think any changes in the structures improve or detract from them architecturally? Conclusions Why is this farm significant? What does this farm add to our knowledge of history? Go to Worksheet: Farm Buildings


	Farm House


	Historic Farms \| Reading Farm Buildings \| Reading landscapes \| Farm: A Learning resource \| Interview Worksheet \|