Extended Hours - Museum is open 10 to 7 all three days.
• Thursday, Friday, Saturday - Katy Camp , Museum/Arboretum grounds, Advance Registration Required (605-925-7545)
• Thursday Night Trivia Night, 7:30 p.m. Arboretum Visitor Center, Advance Registration Required for Teams (605-925-7545)
• Friday Night Program - 'Celebrating Freeman's Rich (and tasty) Food Traditions' - 7:30 p.m. program at Bethel Church
• Saturday activities include:
• Car/Motorcycle/Tractor Show starts at noon
• Artisan Demonstrations, Heritage Pickers, Kids' Activities
• Saturday Night Program - 'Reviewing the Headlines; The Top Ten Stories in • Freeman's History' - 7:30 p.m. -rogram at Bethel Church
Heritage Hall Museum & Archives is a cultural hub that celebrates and shares the history of the larger Freeman community. Our collection tells the story of the Germans-from-Russia immigrants who arrived in southeastern Dakota Territory starting in the 1870s. Our two exhibit halls and four historical buildings include thousands of artifacts that tell the story of the settlers who came from Amish, Hutterite, Lutheran, Reformed and Mennonite faith traditions. Our archives are filled with thousands of photos, documents and books available for research. We are open year-round.
As a member of the Heritage Hall Museum & Archives, you enjoy free admission, discounted admission to programs, and discounts at our gift shop . Your membership supports our mission to preserve and share the history of our community.
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, Heritage Hall Museum has a vast variety of artifacts that span everyone's interest areas. Step back in time and learn about those who lived on the Great Plains many years ago.
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.