J.F. Glidden Homestead

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J.F. Glidden Homestead The Glidden Homestead is open every Sunday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Group tours and school tours are offered by appointment.

Visitors are welcome to drop in at any time during those hours to learn more about the Homestead, witness living-history blacksmith demonstrations, explore the house and grounds, see the historic barn, and peruse our gift shop. We also offer guided, docent-led tours on Sundays at 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM for those who'd like a more in-depth experience. Please call 815-756-7904 or email [email protected] to learn more. Homestead admission is $5 for ages 14 and older (under 14, free). Donations help defray expenses and aid in restoration efforts.

The Glidden Homestead is proud to share that our Executive Director, Jessi Haish LaRue, was honored with the inaugural R...
10/16/2026

The Glidden Homestead is proud to share that our Executive Director, Jessi Haish LaRue, was honored with the inaugural Rising Leader Award from the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce!

This award recognizes a woman making a significant impact early in her career through professional achievement, creative leadership, and community engagement.

Since stepping into her role at the Glidden Homestead in 2022, Jessi has worked to strengthen our historic site, build meaningful community partnerships, and champion a vision for the future that honors our past while creating new opportunities for learning, preservation, and connection.

Her commitment to DeKalb County and its history is at the heart of the work we do every day. We are thrilled to see her leadership and dedication to our community recognized in this special way.

Please join us in congratulating Jessi on this well-deserved honor!

A student makes barbed wire from pipe cleaners, while just behind them, in the Glidden Homestead barn, sits a historic g...
10/16/2026

A student makes barbed wire from pipe cleaners, while just behind them, in the Glidden Homestead barn, sits a historic grindstone set up to make barbed wire just as Joseph Glidden did.

More than 150 years later, the story of an invention that changed the world is still unfolding in the very place where history happened.

That’s the magic of a field trip at the Glidden Homestead.

Today marks the 60th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act. We're proud to have two buildings—the Glidde...
10/15/2026

Today marks the 60th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act. We're proud to have two buildings—the Glidden house and barn—on the National Register of Historic Places. And we're grateful for the community support to restore, maintain, and share these buildings for generations to come.

A little piece of history is now on display. Recently restored and now installed within the barn’s tack room walls (also...
10/15/2026

A little piece of history is now on display.

Recently restored and now installed within the barn’s tack room walls (also recently brought back to life) this historic window is the first of what we hope will be many windows restored in this remarkable barn.

Pieced together from every surviving scrap of wooden sash to be found in the barn, the window’s restoration followed careful historic preservation standards. It has been fitted with antique glass and thoughtfully returned to the barn, where it can be protected and preserved for generations to come.

But perhaps the most intriguing discovery was tucked inside the sash: a small piece of steel, bent in a shape remarkably similar to a barb. Historic preservationist Matt Keys carefully returned it to its original place. Perhaps it once helped hold the glass in place. And perhaps, it was a barb first. A tiny mystery left behind by someone who came before us.

Every surviving fragment tells a story. Every careful repair helps keep that story alive.

We are deeply grateful to Matt Keys for his thoughtful craftsmanship and dedication, and to Dona and Norm Walzer for their generous support of this incredible window project.

One window restored. More stories waiting to be uncovered. And another small but meaningful step toward preserving this historic barn. Want to support window restoration? Contact us.

“HISTORY HAPPENED HERE!”
10/14/2026

“HISTORY HAPPENED HERE!”

JUST A FEW SPOTS LEFT! Create something festive at the Glidden Homestead!Ready to add a handmade touch to your holiday d...
10/14/2026

JUST A FEW SPOTS LEFT! Create something festive at the Glidden Homestead!

Ready to add a handmade touch to your holiday decorating? Join us November 8 for our Holiday Tree Barn Quilt Workshop and create a festive piece of art that’s uniquely yours!

Whether you’re a seasoned painter or picking up a paintbrush for the first time, this hands-on workshop is the perfect opportunity to get creative, learn something new, and enjoy a little holiday inspiration.

Here’s what’s in store:

* A pre-drafted, primed 17" x 17" wooden board ready for your creativity
* Painting tips and guidance to bring your holiday tree design to life
* A little history behind the barn quilt tradition
* A beautiful, finished barn quilt to take home and display

Led by Courtney Sliga, this approximately three-hour workshop is part of our Past Times at Glidden series and our America250 programming, celebrating the traditional crafts and artistry woven into our nation’s story.

Even better? A portion of every registration directly supports the Glidden Homestead’s museum operations and helps us continue preserving and sharing this remarkable history.

Spots are limited, and only a few tickets remain. Don't wait until they're gone.

Register today on our website and save your spot!

Let's make something beautiful together this holiday season!

ON THIS DAY in 1922, "Glidden Memorial Hospital is Officially Opened"The article details the many features of this new, ...
10/14/2026

ON THIS DAY in 1922, "Glidden Memorial Hospital is Officially Opened"
The article details the many features of this new, state-of-the-art building, which was built, in part, by a donation from the Joseph F. Glidden estate.
"...it is safe to say that the Joseph F. Glidden Memorial Hospital is to be a valuable asset to the city of DeKalb..."
Today, this building is home to Barb City Manor. Of note from the article is the mention of the sunroom, which is still enjoyed today: "when one desires a quiet hour with a good book, and is able to be moved to the sun parlor and the large porch adjoining, will be greatly enjoyed."

10/13/2026

Three cheers for school tours season!

There’s something special about seeing history come alive for the next generation. Local second graders are visiting the...
10/13/2026

There’s something special about seeing history come alive for the next generation.

Local second graders are visiting the Glidden Homestead and exploring the barn, where a newly installed floor has made the space safer, more engaging and more accessible for field trips than ever before!

Standing beside a grindstone, similar to how Joseph developed his famous barbed wire right here in this very barn, they made their own barbed wire using pipe cleaners!

Moments like these remind us why restoring and preserving historic places matters so much. Thanks to the support of our community, the Glidden barn is becoming a place where future generations can gather, explore, ask questions, and discover the stories that shaped DeKalb. Every step forward in restoration opens the door for more memories, more learning, and more connections to our shared past.

Mini Sessions at the Glidden Homestead on November 21!Looking for the perfect spot to capture some special memories this...
10/13/2026

Mini Sessions at the Glidden Homestead on November 21!

Looking for the perfect spot to capture some special memories this season? Join us at the historic J.F. Glidden Homestead in DeKalb for Mini Sessions on November 21!

The beautiful, rustic setting offers a variety of charming backdrops for:

Family portraits
Couples photos
Kids’ portraits
Holiday card photos
Each session is 20 minutes long and designed to be relaxed, fun, and full of memories you’ll cherish for years to come!

A portion of every session’s proceeds will go directly toward preserving the J.F. Glidden Homestead and supporting this special local landmark.

Date: November 21
Location: J.F. Glidden Homestead, DeKalb, IL

Spots are limited, so don’t wait to reserve your session!

Capture some beautiful seasonal memories while supporting local history! Register to claim your time spot over on our website.

Address

921 W Lincoln Highway
Dekalb, IL
60115

Opening Hours

12pm - 4pm

Telephone

+18157567904

Website

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