Heisen vineyards sets fundraiser to benefit barn fund

The folks at Heisen House Vineyards in Battle Ground were recently awarded a Heritage Barn Preservation Grant from Washington state’s Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation to restore their 1860s-era hand-hewn timber barn, one of the oldest barns still standing in Clark County, says owner Michele Bloomquist.

The grant is part of the Heritage Barn Preservation Initiative, which was established in 2007 to recognize and preserve significant historic resources related to the agricultural heritage of Washington.

The grant, however, has a bit of a catch.

It is a matching grant, meaning that to get the $30,000 from the state, the recipient is required to match it dollar for dollar with donated time, materials or cash.

Bloomquist, who bought the property in 2002, decided to kick off the project with a farm-style celebration from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.

The celebration will have demonstrations on hand-hewing and mortise-and-tenon woodworking, displays of antique farm equipment, a collection of family quilts from the great-granddaughter of Alexander Heisen (who built the barn), spinning demonstrations, tours of the historic homestead, food, music and more.

Bloomquist, who has been busy seeking donations of material and labor, says she’s very excited to see all the folks who are getting involved.

“It’s very touching — exactly what I hoped would happen,” she says.

Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $5 per adult and $3 per child ages 5-18. Donations will go toward the barn preservation effort.

The Heisen house, which was built by Henry Heisen, and the barn are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Heisen House Vineyards is at 28005 N.E. 172nd Ave. in Battle Ground.