Old barns are more than just functional farm buildings—they’re living symbols of Iowa’s agricultural heritage. In this engaging Speakers Bureau presentation, Rich Tyler explores the stories our barns tell about community, craftsmanship, and change. Drawing from his own experience restoring the historic Secrest farmstead and octagonal barn near West Branch, Tyler delves into the golden age of farming, barn architecture, and what our enduring fascination with these structures reveals about who we are today.

This presentation celebrates the start of the Barns of Iowa traveling exhibit’s stay at the Winterset Public Library. Join us for this program or stop by the Winterset Public Library during the month of August to see Barns of Iowa, a traveling exhibit of photography honoring the history of Iowa’s barns by photographer Michael Harker.