Burr-Deacon Barn

Watercolor rendering of the completed Burr-Deacon Barn Project by Archer & Buchanan Architecture

The Burr-Deacon Barn was originally built in 1875 on the Deacon Farm, across Burr’s Road from Peachfield, headquarters of the NSCDA-NJ. The Burr-Deacon Barn was given to the NSCDA-NJ in 2014 at the bequest of Miss Mildred Deacon. After years of planning and preparation, reframing and refurbishment of the original beams, the NSCDA-NJ broke ground in September 2022, completing the foundation for the Burr-Deacon Barn. A timeline of the Burr-Deacon Barn Project to date can be found below.

The Burr-Deacon Barn Raising will launch this next phase of the reconstruction project, which will complete the frame, siding, and roof of the main section of the Burr-Deacon Barn. Original carpenter’s marks from 1875 are still clearly visible on the original beams. The NSCDA-NJ will use the Burr-Deacon Barn as a space to expand its historical and educational programming for the local community.

Carpenter Jack Witherington of Methods and Materials in Gilbertsville, PA, led the timber framing and reconditioning work of the original historic beams. The construction team is led by Brad Smith of Cullen Construction in Wayne, PA. The architecture team was led by Michele Thackrah of Archer & Buchanan of Philadelphia, PA. 

A Barn for Peachfield  Capital Campaign

Help us raise the Burr-Deacon Barn at Peachfield! The Burr-Deacon Barn was built in 1875, and it was donated by Miss Mildred Deacon to the NSCDA-NJ in 2014. It was disassembled and stored at Peachfield while architectural and structural engineering plans were made. As the NSCDA-NJ begins the final stage of reconstruction, we need your help to raise the Burr-Deacon Barn so Peachfield can expand its public programming offerings for years to come and return Peachfield to even more of an authentic historic farmstead.

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Can’t make a donation today? Click “Pledge Now” below to find the A Barn for Peachfield Capital Campaign Pledge Form.

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Other Ways to Donate

For donations by check:
Make checks payable to “NSCDA-NJ” and note “Barn Donation” in the memo line
Mail to: Peachfield, 180 Burrs Road, Westampton, NJ 08060

For donations from an IRA, a Donor-Advised Fund, stock transfers, or contributions of personal property: please contact the Peachfield office for detailed instructions. at staff@peachfield.org

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Burr-Deacon Barn Project Timeline

In 2014, NSCDA-NJ President Echo R. Fling toured Miss Mildred Deacon’s 1875 barn with Museum Properties Chair Judith Perinchief. Afterward, Miss Deacon agreed to donate the barn to the NSCDA-NJ for preservation to help fulfill its mission of historic education.
In 2015, the barn was carefully deconstructed by the Samuel Zook and Sons, an Amish construction group based in Pennsylvania.. Each historic beam was labeled and organized for storage.
To the left in this photo, circa 1930s, the previous dairy barn at Peachfield can be seen. Peachfield’s lands have been continuously operated as a working farm since the early 18th century. With a restored historic barn, Peachfield can continue to be, as Miriam Harker requested, “as it has always been.”
The last barn on the grounds at Peachfield stood facing north-south end-to-end, but was located in generally the same location where the Burr-Deacon Barn is being re-erected at Peachfield. The original barn was taken down in the late 1940s due to deterioration.
The NSCDA-NJ engaged the services of Archer and Buchanan Architecture to draw up plans for the site and reconstruction of the barn. Our goal is to have the barn located in a similar position as a barn that previously existed on the property in the early 20th century with handicap accessible parking.
Meanwhile, Methods and Materials, led by Jack Witherington, set about the timber-framing and reconditioning of the original wood beams of the barn. The carpenters’ marks and carvings from the 1870s, labeling the sections of the barn more than a century ago were truly fascinating.
A model of the frame of the Burr-Deacon Barn, construction by Methods & Materials. Currently on display in the center hall of Peachfield.

Burr-Deacon Barn Groundbreaking Celebration
September 2022 (Slideshow)

Photos donated by Laura Ames Photography

September 2022 – Foundation Complete

Cullen Construction’s masonry crew with foundation footers excavated to below frost level.
Cullen Construction’s masonry crew pours concrete for the footers of the Burr-Deacon Barn’s foundation.
The completed foundation of the Burr-Deacon Barn.

November 2023 – Frame & Main Section Complete

The barn building
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