We will be open EVERY Sunday, 12-4 PM.  We will be closed Sunday, May 26 for the hoiday weekend.

Admission: $5 for adults, children under 14 and Homestead members are free.

Annie's Story Time Summer Schedule is Here!
These programs are free, open to the public, and supported by DeKalb Public Library! In case of inclement weather, programs will be moved indoors.

Sunday, August 4 at 1 PM: Happiness Happens
August is “Happiness Happens” month, and Miss Stormy is making “Happiness Happen” at the Glidden Homestead. Let’s get HAPPY with sunny stories, a cheery craft, silly songs, and awesome activities.

TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW: 10th annual DeKalb County Barn Tour
Every barn has a unique story to tell. It’s waiting to be discovered during the annual DeKalb County Barn Tour!
The tenth annual barn tour will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, in the Cortland Township area. This unique event allows visitors to take in the history, sights and sounds of DeKalb County’s historic farmland. This opportunity to tour local barns is sponsored jointly by and benefits both the DeKalb Area Agricultural Heritage Association (DAAHA) and the J.F. Glidden Homestead and Historical Center in DeKalb.
The self-driving event includes a guided tour at several barns. Admission is $40 per carload. Visitors can move at their own pacing, and photography is encouraged.
Pre-order your carload ticket HERE

Join us for a "Flat Brindle" celebration on August 11!
The Homestead is bringing its own version of “Flat Stanley” to DeKalb County this summer, through a cow that inspired Glidden’s barbed wire invention.
At 2 p.m. on Sunday, August 11, return to the Glidden Homestead to share your memories. This program is free and open to families, and is recommended for elementary-level students, but all are welcome.
Brindle is Joseph Glidden’s dairy cow that has been cited as one of the inspirations for creating his “The Winner” barbed wire, which is celebrating the 150th anniversary of its patent this year.

"Built by Barbed Wire: Barb City Manor (Glidden Memorial Hospital)"
At 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 31, the Glidden Homestead and Barb City Manor will host a “Built by Barbed Wire” program at Barb City Manor, 680 Haish Boulevard. This program is free and open to the public.
This program, which is free and open to the public, will share the history of the building that was built with major contributions from barbed wire barons Joseph F. Glidden, Jacob Haish and Isaac Ellwood.
Former Barb City Manor administrators Ellen Tyne and Maureen Gerrity will share a history of both Barb City Manor and the previous Glidden Hospital. Then accompany BCM executive director Sarah Davis for a tour and behind-the-scenes look at the historic building, including historic plaques and nods to DeKalb’s barbed wire barons throughout the building.
Barb City Manor is a not-for-profit retirement home for senior citizens age 62 and older, with a mission to serve low to moderate income seniors in safety and comfort.
At his death in 1906, Joseph F. Glidden bequeathed $20,000 to build the Glidden Memorial Hospital. Funds also came from the Clinton Rosette estate, as well as contributions from Jacob Haish and the Isaac Ellwood family. The hospital transitioned to retirement living in 1979, and Barb City Manor is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year.

"Hinckley's Barbed Wire Story"
The Hinckley Historical Society is hosting "Hinckley's Barbed Wire Story" on September 17 to share information about the barbed wire invention, the impact it had on settling the west, and the role Hinckley’s Charles Kennedy and Jacob Haish played in barbed wire development. The program will be held in the Hinckley Community Building (100 N Maple St., Hinckley) starting at 6:30 p.m. It is free and open to the public.
One of the speakers will be Jessi Haish LaRue, executive director for the Joseph F. Glidden Homestead & Historical Center, DeKalb. The Center is planning a celebration of the 150th anniversary of Glidden’s barb wire patent on September 28-29 and LaRue will share details.
Hinckley’s connection with barbed wire includes inventor Jacob Haish who farmed for a time in Pierce Township, and Charles Kennedy who modified a barbed wire patent and produced tons of wire in Hinckley. 
Haish’s nephew William ran a farm implement store in town and was president of the Hinckley State Bank. There will also be a presentation of the impact that barbed wire had on patent law, property rights, and the end of the open range. Several dozen samples of different types of barb wire will be on display.
Barbed wire played a significant role in the history of the United States and added notoriety and financial success for our county.
For more information contact the Hinckley Historical Society at (815) 761-4058 or hinckleyhistoricalsociety@gmail.com