Lured by the Homestead Act of 1862, settlers from Lutheran, Reformed, Hutterite, Amish and Mennonite backgrounds brought with them their religious traditions, strong work ethic, and determination to survive the hardships of life on the prairie.
Pioneer stories and artifacts narrate the difficulties of living on the plains and the gradual building up of the community that is now Freeman, South Dakota.
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 1879 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.