MAIGazine Issue 14 - 2018 Edition FINAL Issue 14 - September 2018 13 "On Goodfellow Road there are four families who make their living by farming," said Fletch. "A hundred years ago, there were probably 25 or 30 farms, each with a barn and a house and family. They are gone, but not forgotten. They are part of the fabric of our agricultural history and heritage. When we're finished, we hope to present an impressive gallery of elegant buildings along with their stories." With more than 200 volunteers involved in the project, from farmers to photographers to researchers, it has gathered considerable attention. Last autumn, with funding from the Brighton Heritage Advisory Committee, the BDA published the 2018 Brighton Barn Calendar. More than 1,000 copies were printed, and in high demand, reflecting the interest and support shown by the entire community. "The Barn Project, led by the BDA team and supported by volunteer photographers, represents yet another great community initiative," said Brighton's Mayor Mark Walas. "The Municipality of Brighton is a unique blend of a rural and urban living. The barn project brings further awareness to our local heritage and we commend the continued efforts of our volunteers in showcasing our community." From the outset, the BDA knew this would be a popular project. Everyone loves a barn, but the response from the Brighton community, and across the country was overwhelming, with people sharing personal stories and histories of the properties. From an archival standpoint, it's a textbook example of a community working together, sharing a love of history, heritage, agricultural architecture, and farm life, and building a collection from that combined effort. "The Brighton Barn Project is a touchstone for community outreach done right," shared Abigail Miller of Northumberland County Archives. "The volunteers at the BDA consistently push the boundaries of what's possible for a small volunteer organization by engaging with the right people at the right time. The success of the Brighton Barn Project is only one of many testaments to their ability to effectively identify worthy projects, communicate their vision with infectious passion and good humour, and produce exceptional results. The BDA's dedication to quality and professionalism ensures their valuable work will have a major impact on the understanding of our region's heritage and culture for generations to come." This charming 1901 barn on Goodfellow Road was a calendar favourite.