Lured by the Homestead Act of 1862, and in search of freedom and opportunity, Germans-from-Russia immigrants from Amish, Hutterite, Lutheran, Mennonite and Reformed backgrounds – and others – began arriving in southeastern Dakota Territory starting in the 1870s. They brought with them their religious traditions, strong work ethic and determination. They persevered, not only surviving the hardships of life on the prairie, but working together to establish the larger Freeman community. Our exhibits and archives tell their stories.
With over 25,000 square feet of displays featuring everything from old cars & buggies to household items to agricultural equipment to artwork & musical instruments, Heritage Hall Museum has a vast variety of artifacts that span everyone's interest areas.
The Archives Library preserves more than 10,000 books, maps, periodicals, documents, and photos pertaining to the local history of the Freeman community and beyond.
Sit at a desk in the one-room school house, peer into the Russian oven of an early 1880s pioneer home, or admire the simple elegance of two early rural churches in one of the buildings preserved on site.
Learn about how Heritage Hall Museum evolved from a simple idea of community stewardship to the multi-faceted facility it is today. There is something for everyone in the family to enjoy.