Members of the Schuylkill Historical Commission are fighting to save Schuylkill Township’s Civil War era barn as Phoenixville Area School District seeks approval to tear it down, writes Michaelle Bond for Philly.com.

The historic barn served as a shelter to some of General Washington’s officers during the Revolutionary War. It is part of a 53-acre property taken by the district from Meadow Brook Golf Club through eminent domain to construct a new school building and athletic fields.

District officials are planning to preserve the adjoining 18th-century farmhouse. However, they have applied to Schuylkill Township officials for permission to demolish the barn.

The Schuylkill Historical Commission says the barn is a symbol of the unique heritage of Pennsylvania.

“Barns are important, because they are the most tangible connection to our agrarian past and they symbolize not only craftsmanship but farmers’ dedication to their land,” noted Jeffrey Marshall, a board member of the National Barn Alliance and the Historic Barn and Farm Foundation of Pennsylvania.

If the plan for its demolition is not revoked at Tuesday’s meeting, the township Board of Supervisors will decide on whether to allow it on September 7th.

“If you take away the barn, you’ve taken away the idea of a farmstead,” “We think it would be important to take the time now and analyze all the information and not just go to demolition,” said Sandy Momyer, chair of the Schuylkill Historical Commission.

Read more about the efforts at Philly.com here.