German Hausbarn

What is a Hausbarn?

In the 17th and 18th centuries, Hausbarns were a common form of dwelling throughout several areas of Germany. This was especially true in Schleswig-Holstein, a state in the Northwest part of Germany. Many of the Manning area families are descendants of immigrants from that area.

The Hausbarn is a unique structure that consists of living quarters for not only the family – including bedrooms, sitting, dining and cooking areas – but also areas for housing livestock, farm equipment and feed.

The Hausbarn that sits at Manning’s Heritage Park was originally built in 1660. Due to many years of political conflict and boundary changes in Europe, it can boast it stood proudly in Austria, Prussia, Denmark and of course, Germany, before it was dismantled and sent to Manning, Iowa, to be preserved and re-assembled. If this historic Hausbarn could talk to would tell stories of being governed by Princes, Dictators, a British Occupation Force and finally, a Democracy. It has survived state wars, tribal boundary disputes and two world wars. 

It is evident from just one glance at the Hausbarn that it reflects a collective community pride and conveys Manning’s overall commitment to preserve a vivid understanding of our German Heritage.