Our Initial Priorities

• Secure the property and buildings and safeguard all historically significant artifacts and ephemera.

• Stabilize all architecturally significant structures.

• Document the site, detailing permissible reconstruction and restoration of its structures and land features, to provide the basis for Payne Hollow’s deserved inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places.

• Conduct a comprehensive flora and fauna study of the property and to identify sensitive ecological areas that may need protection.

• Designate the property as the first permanently protected land on the Kentucky shore between Cincinnati and Louisville.

• Develop a plan of action for the future stewardship of the property, including but not limited to: fostering and furnishing educational materials and opportunities inspired by the Hubbards and the land; organizing visitor access use and programming; and working with partners to ensure long term appreciation of Payne Hollow and the Hubbards’ legacy.

Our Long-term Vision

Payne Hollow is a touchpoint in or for ongoing teaching, research, preservation, meditation, and environmental leadership. Harlan Hubbard’s art and writings, as well as his and Anna Hubbard’s bespoke boats, buildings, furniture, and home goods—all constructed and maintained with hand tools, raw materials and ingenuity—provide an opportunity to understand how we live—or don’t live—in concert with nature and our planet.

As global warming continues to ravage the planet and compromise humankind’s future on it, the message of Harland and Anna Hubbard and Payne Hollow is increasingly relevant. This is a location with rich cultural history that can and does serve as a model for alternative and creative lifestyles that call the public to action in a time of great environmental need.

Over the next three years, Payne Hollow on the Ohio plans to raise an estimated $1.1 million to support its ambitious mission. Before the end of 2022, we hope to raise an initial $500,000 to secure the land, stabilize the structure and begin creating public access opportunities for the property. Funds raised will support:

• Property Purchase: Completed! The 60-acre Trimble County property and buildings were officially purchased by Payne Hollow on the Ohio on September 30th, 2022. THANK YOU TO OUR FOUNDING PARTNERS who helped us accomplish this goal. Work to clear trails, clean-up the house and studio, collect artifacts, and secure the property is in the works with the help of volunteers guided by professionals with restoration, architecture and curatorial backgrounds. The next phase will be to secure estimates on stabilization of both buildings and secure storage for all of the artifacts.

• Survey of the land: The second-most urgent need is ensuring that our organization has the funds to document and preserve the history and ecology onsite. This includes hiring professionals to perform invaluable surveys, including a comprehensive land survey, a full ecological flora and fauna survey, documentation to apply for National Register of Historic Places status and other national and state preservation programs, and the inventory, care, and proper storage of historic artifacts and structures.

For more information about joining us in this effort and to receive a full breakdown of our needs, please reach out.