Reconstructing History: Nickerson Center Volunteers Host Barn-raising

CHATHAMPORT – The Nickerson Family Association organized an old-fashioned barn raising last weekend, with volunteers assembling a historic barn that was disassembled and relocated from its original home in North Chatham.

The 20-by-20-foot timber-framed barn was on private land at 68 Shell Dr. before being donated to the Nickerson association in 2021. The structure was too fragile to move in a single piece, so it was “flaked,” or disassembled, and brought to the association’s land on Ryder’s Cove in pieces after a complete photo survey was conducted.

Timber framer Ian Ellison of Orleans is reconstructing the barn using historically-accurate techniques. While the frame was assembled last weekend, the roof and sides will be added over time. The restored barn will be used for educational programs and to provide an example of early Colonial barn construction.