For the past decade, The Round Barns of Vernon County has had a life of its own, finding its way into classrooms, libraries, and community spaces. When we set out to distribute the film, we wanted to ensure it had a meaningful impact—not just as a documentary but as a resource for teaching, learning, and artistic exploration.
That’s why we focused on offering public performance licenses to institutions, allowing educators, researchers, and outreach programs to incorporate the film into their work. At the same time, we made sure individuals had an affordable way to watch. We’re proud of how far the film has traveled—landing in campus collections, sparking discussions, and even reaching audiences through free community screenings.
Staying True to the Spirit of the Film
From the beginning, we embraced a DIY approach to distribution, believing that independent filmmakers should have a say in how their work is shared. We also believed that public performance rights should hold value—not just to support this film but to stand in solidarity with other creatives balancing art and commerce. That belief hasn’t changed.
But the way people access media has.
Making the Film Freely Available
Moving forward, we’re making The Round Barns of Vernon County freely available on YouTube. While we recognize that an ad-free experience would be ideal, what matters most is that the story remains intact, ready to be discovered by anyone interested in it.
This shift allows the film to reach more people—historians, students, rural preservation advocates, and anyone who simply loves a good story about a unique piece of Wisconsin’s past.
Public Performance Licenses Still Available
For institutions interested in screening the film as part of a course, conference, or public program, we’re still offering public performance licenses. If you’re considering using the film in an educational or institutional setting, please feel free to reach out.
Thank you to everyone who has supported The Round Barns of Vernon County over the years. We hope this next phase helps the film find an even wider audience, keeping the story alive for years to come.