INDIANA—Indiana Landmarks and the Indiana Farm Bureau are calling for nominations for the 2025 John Arnold Award for Rural Preservation, which celebrates the preservation and continued agricultural use of historic farms and farm buildings throughout Indiana.
Established in 1992, the prestigious award recognizes farm owners who demonstrate a commitment to maintaining their properties’ historic character while actively engaging in agricultural practices.
To date, over 30 historic farms across the state have been honored. Last year’s recipient was Old Fashioned Garden, a historic Miami County farm located southeast of Peru.
Nominations for the Arnold Award are open to anyone, including farm owners. The award will be presented during the August Celebration of Agriculture at the Indiana State Fair.
The nomination process is straightforward, requiring:
- A concise history of the farm, highlighting its significant historic structures and features, such as the farmhouse, barns, agricultural outbuildings, and landscape elements.
- It describes how the farm’s historic agricultural structures are utilized in daily farming operations and how they have been preserved or adapted.
- High-resolution digital photographs of the farm and its preserved historic features. Historical images are also encouraged.
The award winner will receive an outdoor marker to display on their property and will be featured in Indiana Preservation magazine.
The John Arnold Award for Rural Preservation is named in memory of John Arnold (1955-1991), a Rush County farmer known for integrating progressive agricultural practices with a profound respect for the historic and natural elements of the rural landscape. The award honors individuals who share this dedication to preserving Indiana’s rural heritage.
Nominations can be submitted online. The deadline for submissions is April 15.
