CALS to celebrate National Landmark Status of old dairy barn

The public is invited to a program on March 28, 2007 at 7:15 p.m. to celebrate the designation of the UW–Madison’s 109-year-old dairy barn as a National Historic Landmark.

The dairy barn, built in 1898, is recognized as one of the cradles of discovery of vitamins due to a series of nutritional studies begun in the building100 years ago this spring. The barn was also the site of groundbreaking research that enabled the practical use of artificial insemination in dairy cows.

It is the only barn among the nearly 2,500 sites designated as National Historic Landmarks by the National Park Service. There are now 39 buildings in Wisconsin with the designation. Others on campus include North Hall and the Red Gym.

In addition to the unveiling of the National Historic Landmark plaque, the program will include a review of the barn’s architectural history by landscape architecture professor Arnold Alanen and a summary of its role in the sciences by biochemistry professor David Nelson. There will also be tours highlighting the building’s significant features.

Parking is available Lot 62, between the Natatorium and the School of Veterinary Medicine. Refreshments will be served in the nearby Dairy Forage Research Center.

The program celebrating the Old Dairy Barn is a special session of the “Wednesday Nite @ The Lab” public science series, offered every Wednesday nights, usually at the Biotechnology Center, 425 Henry Mall.